Information recording medium, information recording device and method, information reproduction device and method, information recording/reproduction device and method, computer program for recording or reproduction control, and data structure containing control signal

ABSTRACT

A whole stream consisting of a plurality of partial streams each composed of content information including still image information is multiplexed/recorded in packet basis on an information medium. The information record medium includes a file for storing object data consisting of a plurality of packets each containing a content information piece and a file for storing information defining an object data reproduction sequence. Furthermore, the medium includes an object information file for storing stream identification information for identifying each of the plurality of partial streams among the plurality of packets and address information indicating a recording position of an access unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information record medium, such as ahigh density optical disc, capable of recording various information suchas main picture, audio, sub picture, reproduction control information,and so on, at high density, relates to an information record apparatusfor and method of recording the information onto the information recordmedium, relates to an information reproduction apparatus for and methodof reproducing the information from the information record medium,relates to an information record/reproduction apparatus for and methodcapable of both recording and reproducing the information, relates to acomputer program product for record or reproduction control, and relatesto a data structure including control signal for the reproductioncontrol.

BACKGROUND ART

DVDs become common as optical discs onto which various information suchas main picture (video), audio, sub picture, reproduction controlinformation and so on is recorded. According to a DVD standard, mainpicture information (video data), audio information (audio data) and subpicture information (sub picture data) are respectively packetized withthe reproduction control information (navigation data) andmulti-recorded onto a disc in a program stream format of MPEG 2 (MovingPicture Experts Group phase 2), which is a high performance encodingtechnology. Among them, the main picture information has data, which iscompressed in a MPEG video format (ISO 13818-2), for one stream in oneprogram stream. On the other hand, the audio information is recorded ina plurality of formats (i.e. linear PCM, AC-3, MPEG audio and so on) andhas data for up to 8 streams in one program stream. The sub pictureinformation is defined by a bitmap, and is compressed and recorded in arun length method, and has data for up to 32 streams in one programstream. Thus, in DVDs, by employing the program stream format, aplurality of selectable streams of the audio information (e.g. stereoaudio stream or surround audio stream, original English audio stream,Japanese dubbing audio stream, and so on) and a plurality of selectablestreams of the sub picture information (e.g. Japanese caption stream,English caption stream and so on) are multi-recorded for one stream ofthe main picture information in one movie for example.

On the other hand, recently, a transport stream of MPEG2 standard iscoming to be standardized, which is suitable for larger volume or higherspeed data transfer. According to the transport stream format, aplurality of elementary streams are transferred at the same time at afar higher transfer rate than the aforementioned program streams format.For example, a plurality of programs, such as a plurality of satellitedigital broadcasting channels in one satellite radio wave, aretransmitted at the same time in a TDM (Time Division Multiplex) scheme.That is, in the transport stream format, a plurality of elementarystreams each having a large amount of data can be multiplexed in the TDMscheme and transferred, for example, a plurality of movies to berecorded in a plurality of DVDs can be transferred at the same time.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

However, in DVDs for the aforementioned conventional program streamformat, only one stream of main picture (e.g. motion picture) can bemulti-recorded with a plurality of streams of audio information and/orsub picture information (e.g. caption or still picture), but a pluralityof streams of main picture can not be multi-recorded.

Even if a record density or transfer rate sufficient for multi-recordinga plurality of streams of the main picture can be obtained in DVDs forthe program stream format by fining (miniaturizing) tracks or pits, orby shortening a wavelength of laser beam for the recording orreproduction, it is technically difficult to quickly extract only aseries of packets, which is usually disposed discretely and constitutinga stream relating to a desired program, from a plurality of multiplexedpackets relating to a plurality of main picture streams and perform thereproduction on the basis of the series of packets without delay.Furthermore, it is technically difficult to record so that such areproduction can be performed. Particularly, it is technically verydifficult to identify a group of streams relating to the desired program(e.g. a group of one main picture stream, the corresponding one or moreaudio/sub picture streams) from among a plurality of programs oncerecorded on/in the disc, and perform the reproduction on the basis ofthe identified group of streams, and quickly switch to anther group ofstream relating to another desired program during the presentreproduction, and perform the reproduction on the basis of the switchedgroup.

The present invention has been accomplished in view of the aboveproblems. It is therefore an object of the present invention to providean information record medium, an information record apparatus andmethod, an information reproduction apparatus and method, and aninformation record/reproduction apparatus and method, capable ofmulti-recording a plurality of programs, selecting and reproducing adesired program during the reproduction, and switching quickly among theplurality of programs.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by an informationrecord medium onto which a whole stream including a plurality of partialstreams each comprising video information or audio information,constructing a series of contents, is multi-recorded by a unit of packetthat is a physically accessible unit, said medium comprising: an objectdata file for storing object data comprising a plurality of packets eachstoring a piece of the video information or the audio information andeach being a logically accessible unit; a reproduction sequence file forstoring reproduction sequence information defining a reproductionsequence of the object data; and an object information file for storing,as reproduction control information to control a reproduction of theobject data file, (i) stream identification information for identifyingpacket/packets corresponding to each of the plurality of partial streamsfrom among the plurality of packets for each partial stream, (ii)address information for indicating a record position of an access unitthat is an accessible unit made of a fixed or variable predeterminedquantity of the packets, and (iii) association group definitioninformation defining a set having a specific relationship from among aseries of contents constructing the plurality of partial streams, as anassociation group.

According to the information record medium, a whole stream such as theMPEG2 program stream includes a plurality of partial streams, forexample, a bundle of partial streams to be recorded or reproduced at thesame time on a reproduction time axis of the program stream. Each ofthese partial streams consists of picture information (e.g. video dataor sub picture data) or audio information (e.g. audio data), which formsa series of contents reproducible by the information reproductionapparatus. Such a whole stream is multi-recorded onto the informationrecord medium, by a unit of the packet that is a unit physicallyaccessible by the information reproduction apparatus.

Here, the object data file stores object data consisting of a pluralityof packets each being a unit logically accessible by the informationreproduction apparatus and each storing a piece of contents information.The “packet” means an information unit such as a PS (Program Stream)pack, a TS (Transport Stream) packet and so on, whose data length may befixed at about 2048 bytes such as the PS pack, or may be variable.Alternatively, it may be fixed at about 192 bytes such as the TS packet.

Reproduction sequence information stores reproduction sequenceinformation (e.g. playlist information) to define a reproductionsequence of the object data stored in the object data file.

On the other hand, the object information file stores the associationgroup definition information as one reproduction control information.The association group definition information identifies a set having aspecific relationship from among a series of contents (a plurality ofcontents). The set having the specific relationship may be a set havinga partial stream of one main picture (motion picture) and a partialstream of the corresponding audio and/or sub picture (caption or stillpicture). Alternatively, the set may be a set having a partial streamrelating to a pair of audio or video, switchable to each other duringthe reproduction such as dual broadcasting, or multi-view ormulti-vision broadcasting, or during the reproduction such as bilingualsystem.

The object information file stores the stream identification informationas another reproduction control information. The stream identificationinformation identifies a packet or packets corresponding to each partialstream. The “stream identification information” herein indicates astream ID as mentioned below or an ES map table including the stream IDfor each stream as for the program stream. Alternatively, the “streamidentification information” indicates an ES-PID (Elementary StreamPacket ID) as mentioned below or the ES map table including the ES-PIDfor each stream.

The object information file stores the address information to indicatethe record position of the access unit, as still another reproductioncontrol information. The “access unit” herein indicates a set of packetsfor recording one address information in the object information file,for example a unit such as VOBU (Video Object Unit) as for the DVD usingthe MPEG program stream, for example a set of packets positioned with adistance corresponding to a packet for recording the ES addressinformation as for the satellite broadcasting receiver using the MPEGtransport stream. The quantity of packets constructing such an accessunit may be fixed or may be variable. Alternatively, packetscorresponding to a certain time length (e.g. 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds and so on) on the reproduction time axismay be defined as the access unit. Here, the “address information” mayindicate for example a head (start) address of the access unit in theprogram stream by the packet number (e.g. a serial number in the objectfile) and the reproduction start time point. Alternatively, the “addressinformation” may indicate for example an address of a head packet ofeach I picture in the transport stream by the packet number and thereproduction start time point. The address information may be a physicaladdress. Nevertheless, the address information is preferably a logicaladdress. The practical physical address is uniquely defined from thelogical address by the file system management.

Incidentally, various information to be stored in the reproductionsequence information file and the object information file is notmultiplexed by a unit of the packet on the information record medium,different from the object data file. Therefore, it is possible toreproduce the object data by the information reproduction apparatus, onthe basis of these reproduction sequence information and thereproduction control information (i.e. stream identificationinformation, address information, association group information and soon).

In the information reproduction apparatus for reproducing theinformation record medium, the object information file is firstlyreferred in order to reproduce a desired program. Here, on the basis ofthe association definition information, a set of contents information(i.e. a plurality of partial streams) relating to the desired program tobe reproduced is identified. Furthermore, on the basis of the streamidentification information, a packet corresponding to a plurality ofpartial streams constructing the desired program to be reproduced isidentified. Furthermore, on the basis of the address information, theaccess unit to be reproduced is identified before an access, for one ormore partial steams identified as such.

Next, the access is made to the identified access unit in the objectdata file so that the reproduction of a plurality of packets, usuallydisposed discretely, corresponding to the desired program to bereproduced is performed consecutively or continuously. In this case, thereproduction is performed in a reproduction sequence according to thereproduction sequence information.

As the result, according to the information record medium of the presentinvention, a relatively complicated recording for multi-recording one ormore programs as a plurality of streams being compatible to the MPEG2program stream or transport stream, as well as reproduction thereof, canbe performed by a relatively simple process.

In an aspect of the information record medium of the present invention,the whole stream comprises at least partially a MPEG (Moving PictureExperts Group phase) program stream.

According to this aspect, the whole stream portion made of the programstream of MPEG2 is multi-recorded onto the information record medium bya unit of the packet. The object information file stores the streamidentification information for the program stream and the addressinformation for the program stream, as a part of the reproductioncontrol information. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce the objectdata in the information reproduction apparatus, on the basis of thereproduction control information and the reproduction sequenceinformation.

In this aspect, the information record medium may be constructed so thatthe stream identification information identifies by the stream ID basedon the MPEG standard, as for the information based on the MPEG audiostandard as at least a part of the audio information and as for theinformation based on the MPEG video standard as at least a part of thevideo information and identifies by the private stream based on the MPEGstandard and a plurality of partial streams constructing the privatestream may be further identified by the sub stream ID, as for aplurality of partial stream relating to the audio information based on astandard different from the aforementioned MPEG standard as at least apart of the audio information.

In this construction, during the reproduction, the desired program canbe selectively reproduced by identifying each partial stream relating tothe desired program to be reproduced in the program stream by the streamID or the sub stream ID. Incidentally, the sub stream ID may indicate acodec type for the private stream.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the whole stream includes at least two partial streamscomprising main picture information as series of contents information.

According to this aspect, a plurality of main picture information (e.g.motion picture information or video stream) can be multi-recorded, beingcompatible to the program stream, different from the conventional DVD.

Incidentally, the whole stream may include the partial stream includingthe main picture information as the contents information, the partialstream including the sub picture information (i.e. sub picture stream)corresponding to this main picture information, and/or the partialstream including the audio information (i.e. audio stream).

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the association group definition information defines, as theassociation group, a set having a relationship of multi-broadcastingfrom among the series of contents.

According to this aspect, since the association group definitioninformation defines the association group having the relationship of themulti-broadcasting by the program stream, it is possible to reproduceappropriately the multi-broadcasting on the basis of the associationgroup information, even if the multi-broadcasting is recorded onto theinformation record medium at one time.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the object information file further stores, as thereproduction control information, sub group definition information fordefining, as a sub group, a set of partial streams switchable to eachother when reproduced in the association group.

According to this aspect, the object information file stores the subgroup definition information (e.g. PU information as mentioned below) asone of the reproduction control information to control the reproductionof the object data file. Therefore, freely switchable partial streams inthe association groups having a special relationship such as themulti-vision broadcasting, the multi-view broadcasting, the bilingualbroadcasting and/or the bilingual captioned broadcasting can beidentified easily at the information reproduction apparatus side, on thebasis of the sub group (e.g. the PU as mentioned below) of a pluralityof partial streams switchable to each other by the informationreproduction apparatus in the association group described in the subgroup definition information.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the object information file stores table information forindicating the stream identification information for each partial streamand for indicating a head address of the access unit as the addressinformation for each partial stream.

According to this aspect, during the reproduction, referring to thetable information (e.g. the ES map table as mentioned below) constructedin the object information file makes it possible to identify quickly thepartial stream corresponding to the desired program by the streamidentification information and identify quickly the head address of theaccess unit by the address information.

Incidentally, this address information may indicate an address of thecentral portion of the access unit, or the tail (last) address of theaccess unit, instead of the head address. In any case, making thequantity of packets constructing the access unit well-known makes itpossible to identify the record position of the packet at apredetermined position and thereby identify the record position of theaccess unit.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the object information file further stores packet lengthinformation for indicating a length of the packet, as the reproductioncontrol information.

According to this aspect, the packet length is identified by referringto the packet length information stored in the object information file.Therefore, the number of the packet indicated by the addressinformation, the reproduction start time point thereof and the like canbe easily converted to the record position on the basis of the packetlength.

Incidentally, the packet length may be set to a predetermined length onrecording the object data. For example, the program stream of MPEG istypically set to 2048 bytes, but may be set to longer or shorter than2048 bytes.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the object data file stores still picture information as atleast a part of the video information, the object information filefurther stores, as the reproduction control information, addressinformation for indicating a record position of the still pictureinformation, data length information for indicating a data length of thestill picture information, and data format information for indicating adata format of the still picture information as for the still pictureinformation.

According to this aspect, the object data may include video informationindicating a still picture of JPEG format or bitmap format, in additionto video information indicating a motion picture. During thereproduction, referring to the object information file makes it possibleto reproduce the still picture from the still picture information, onthe basis of the data format information indicating a data format (i.e.JPEG format, bitmap format and so on) of the still picture informationand the data length information indicating a data length of the stillpicture information, and the address information indicating the recordposition of the still picture information. The still picture may bereproduced with the motion picture and the audio, or may be reproducedsolely.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by an informationrecord apparatus for multi-recording a whole stream including aplurality of partial streams each comprising video information or audioinformation, constructing a series of contents by a unit of packet thatis a physically accessible unit, onto an information record medium, saidinformation record apparatus comprising: a first record device forrecording an object data file for storing object data comprising aplurality of packets each storing a piece of the video information orthe audio information and each being a logically accessible unit; asecond record device for recording a reproduction sequence file forstoring reproduction sequence information defining a reproductionsequence of the object data; and a third record device for recording anobject information file for storing, as reproduction control informationto control a reproduction of the object data file, (i) streamidentification information for identifying packet/packets correspondingto each of the plurality of partial streams from among the plurality ofpackets for each partial stream, (ii) address information for indicatinga record position of an access unit that is an accessible unit made of afixed or variable predetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii)association group definition information defining a set having aspecific relationship from among a series of contents constructing theplurality of partial streams, as an association group.

According to the information record apparatus of the present invention,the first record device, such as a system controller, an encoder, theTS/PS object generator as mentioned below, an optical pickup and so on,records the object data file for storing the object data, the secondrecord device, such as a system controller, an optical pickup and so on,records the reproduction sequence information file for storing thereproduction sequence information, and the third record device, such asa system controller, an optical pickup and so on, records the objectinformation file for storing the stream identification information,address information and association group definition information, as thereproduction control information. Therefore, a whole stream such as theMPEG2 program stream can be multi-recorded onto the information recordmedium of the present invention.

In this case, the first record device multi-records the object data by aunit of the packet, but the second and third devices do not multi-recordthe reproduction sequence information and the reproduction controlinformation by a unit of the packet.

Incidentally, the information record apparatus of the present inventioncan also take various aspects, corresponding to various aspects of theinformation record medium of the present invention mentioned above.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by an informationrecord method of multi-recording a whole stream including a plurality ofpartial streams each comprising video information or audio information,constructing a series of contents by a unit of packet that is aphysically accessible unit, onto an information record medium, saidinformation record method comprising: a first record process ofrecording an object data file for storing object data comprising aplurality of packets each storing a piece of the video information orthe audio information and each being a logically accessible unit; asecond record process of recording a reproduction sequence file forstoring reproduction sequence information defining a reproductionsequence of the object data; and a third record process of recording anobject information file for storing, as reproduction control informationto control a reproduction of the object data file, (i) streamidentification information for identifying packet/packets correspondingto each of the plurality of partial streams from among the plurality ofpackets for each partial stream, (ii) address information for indicatinga record position of an access unit that is an accessible unit made of afixed or variable predetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii)association group definition information defining a set having aspecific relationship from among a series of contents constructing theplurality of partial streams, as an association group.

According to the information record method of the present invention, theobject data file for storing the object data is recorded at the firstrecord process, the reproduction sequence information file for storingthe reproduction sequence information is recorded at the second recordprocess, and the object information file for storing the streamidentification information, address information and association groupdefinition information is recorded as the reproduction controlinformation at the third record process. Therefore, a whole stream suchas the MPEG2 program stream can be multi-recorded onto the informationrecord medium of the present invention mentioned above.

Incidentally, the information record method can also take variousaspects, corresponding to various aspects of the information recordmedium of the present invention mentioned above.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by an informationreproduction apparatus for reproducing a part of the recorded wholestream from the aforementioned information record medium of the presentinvention (including its various aspects), said information reproductionapparatus comprising: a read device for physically reading informationfrom the information record medium; and a reproduction device forreproducing the object data included in the information read by the readdevice, on the basis of the reproduction control information and thereproduction sequence information included in the information read bythe read device.

According to the information reproduction apparatus of the presentinvention, the read device, such as an optical pickup, a decoder and soon, reads the information physically by a unit of the packet from theinformation record medium. Then, the reproduction device, such as asystem controller, a demultiplexer, a decoder and so on, reproduces theobject data particularly read by a unit of the packet, on the basis ofthe reproduction control information and the reproduction sequenceinformation included in the read information. Therefore, the informationthat may be multi-recorded being compatible to the program stream can beappropriately reproduced from the information record medium of thepresent invention.

Incidentally, the information reproduction apparatus of the presentinvention can also take various aspects, corresponding to variousaspects of the information record medium of the present inventionmentioned above.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by an informationreproduction method of reproducing a part of the recorded whole streamfrom the aforementioned information record medium of the presentinvention (including its various aspects), said information reproductionmethod comprising: a read process of physically reading information fromthe information record medium; and a reproduction process of reproducingthe object data included in the information read at the read process, onthe basis of the reproduction control information and the reproductionsequence information included in the information read at the readprocess.

According to the information reproduction method of the presentinvention, the information is physically read by a unit of the packetfrom the information record medium at the read process. Then, the objectdata particularly read by a unit of the packet is reproduced at thereproduction process, on the basis of the reproduction controlinformation and the reproduction sequence information included in theread information. Therefore, the information that may be multi-recordedbeing compatible to the program stream can be appropriately reproducedfrom the information record medium of the present invention mentionedabove.

Incidentally, the information reproduction method of the presentinvention can also take various aspects, corresponding to variousaspects of the information record medium of the preset inventionmentioned above.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by an informationrecord and reproduction apparatus for recording the whole stream ontothe aforementioned information record medium of the present invention(including its various aspects) and reproducing a part of the recordedwhole stream, said information record and reproduction apparatuscomprising: a first record device for recording the object data file; asecond record device for recording the reproduction sequence informationfile; a third record device for recording the object information file; aread device for physically reading information from the informationrecord medium; and a reproduction device for reproducing the object dataincluded in the information read by the read device, on the basis of thereproduction control information and the reproduction sequenceinformation included in the information read by the read device.

According to the information record and reproduction apparatus of thepresent invention, similarly to the information record apparatus of thepresent invention mentioned above, the first record device multi-recordsthe object data file by a unit of the packet, the second record devicerecords the reproduction sequence information file, and the third recorddevice records the object information file. Then, similarly to theinformation reproduction apparatus of the present invention, the readdevice reads physically the information from the information recordmedium, and the reproduction device reproduces the object dataparticularly read by a unit of the packet, on the basis of thereproduction control information and the reproduction sequenceinformation included in the read information. Therefore, a whole streamsuch as the MPEG2 program stream can be multi-recorded onto theinformation record medium of the present invention, and themulti-recorded information can be appropriately reproduced.

Incidentally, the information record and reproduction apparatus can alsotake various aspects, corresponding to various aspects of theinformation record medium of the present invention mentioned above.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by an informationrecord and reproduction method of recording the whole stream onto theaforementioned information record medium of the present invention(including its various aspects) and reproducing a part of the recordedwhole stream, said information record and reproduction methodcomprising: a first record process of recording the object data file; asecond record process of recording the reproduction sequence informationfile; a third record process of recording the object information file; aread process of physically reading information from the informationrecord medium; and a reproduction process of reproducing the object dataincluded in the information read by the read device, on the basis of thereproduction control information and the reproduction sequenceinformation included in the information read by the read device.

According to the information record and reproduction method of thepresent invention, similarly to the information record method of thepresent invention mentioned above, the object data file ismulti-recorded at the first record process, the reproduction sequenceinformation file is recorded at the second record process, and theobject information file is recorded at the third record process. Then,similarly to the information reproduction method of the presentinvention mentioned above, the information is physically read from theinformation record medium at the read process, and the object dataparticularly read by a unit of the packet is reproduced at thereproduction process, on the basis of the reproduction controlinformation and the reproduction sequence information included in theread information. Therefore, a whole stream such as the program streamof MPRG2 may be multi-recorded onto the information record medium of thepresent invention mentioned above, and the multi-recorded informationcan be appropriately reproduced.

Incidentally, the information record and reproduction method can alsotake various aspects, corresponding to various aspects of theinformation record medium of the present invention mentioned above.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a computerprogram for a record control to control a computer disposed at theaforementioned information record apparatus of the present invention(including its various aspects), said computer program makes thecomputer function as at least a part of the first record device, thesecond record device and the third record device.

According to the computer program for the record control of the presentinvention, the information record apparatus of the present inventionmentioned above can be embodied relatively easily, by reading andrunning the computer program from a record medium, such as a ROM, aCD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk and so on, storing the computer programtherein/thereon, or by downloading the computer program product to thecomputer via the communication device and running it.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a computerprogram for a reproduction control to control a computer disposed at theaforementioned information reproduction apparatus of the presentinvention (including its various aspects), said computer program makesthe computer function as at least a part of the reproduction device.

According to the computer program for the reproduction control of thepresent invention, the information reproduction apparatus of the presentinvention mentioned above can be embodied relatively easily, by readingand running the computer program from a record medium, such as a ROM, aCD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk and so on, storing the computer programtherein/thereon, or by downloading the computer program product to thecomputer via the communication device and running it.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a computerprogram for a record and reproduction control to control a computerdisposed at the aforementioned information record and reproductionapparatus of the present invention (including its various aspects), saidcomputer program makes the computer function as at least a part of thefirst record device, the second record device, the third record deviceand the reproduction device.

According to the computer program for the record and reproductioncontrol of the present invention, the information record andreproduction apparatus of the present invention mentioned above can beembodied relatively easily, by reading and running the computer programfrom a record medium, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard diskand so on, storing the computer program therein/thereon, or bydownloading the computer program product to the computer via thecommunication device and running it.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a datastructure including a control signal, in which a whole stream includinga plurality of partial streams each comprising video information oraudio information, constructing a series of contents, is multi-recordedby a unit of packet that is a physically accessible unit, said structurecomprising: an object data file for storing object data comprising aplurality of packets each storing a piece of the video information orthe audio information and each being a logically accessible unit; areproduction sequence file for storing reproduction sequence informationdefining a reproduction sequence of the object data; and an objectinformation file for storing, as reproduction control information tocontrol a reproduction of the object data file, (i) streamidentification information for identifying packet/packets correspondingto each of the plurality of partial streams from among the plurality ofpackets for each partial stream, (ii) address information for indicatinga record position of an access unit that is an accessible unit made of afixed or variable predetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii)association group definition information defining a set having aspecific relationship from among a series of contents constructing theplurality of partial streams, as an association group.

According to the data structure including the control signal of thepresent invention, similarly to the information record medium of thepresent invention mentioned above, a relatively complicated record formulti-recording one or more programs area as a plurality of streams,being compatible to the MPEG2 transport stream or program stream, aswell as the reproduction thereof, can be performed by a relativelysimple process.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the firstprogram storage device, readable by a computer disposed at theinformation record apparatus, for tangibly embodying a computer programcapable of making the computer perform the information record method ofthe present invention mentioned above.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the secondprogram storage device, readable by a computer disposed at theinformation reproduction apparatus, for tangibly embodying a computerprogram capable of making the computer perform the information recordmethod of the present invention mentioned above.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the thirdprogram storage device, readable by a computer disposed at theinformation record and reproduction apparatus, for tangibly embodying acomputer program capable of making the computer perform the informationrecord method of the present invention mentioned above.

According to the first, second and third program storage device of thepresent invention, the information record method, the informationreproduction method, or the information record and reproduction methodmay be embodied relatively easily, by reading and running the computerprogram product from a record medium, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, aDVD-ROM, a hard disk and so on, storing the computer programtherein/thereon, or by downloading the computer program product to thecomputer via the communication device and running it.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a computer datasignal embodied in a first carrier wave, for giving a series ofinstructions to make a computer disposed at the information recordapparatus perform the information record method.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a computer datasignal embodied in a second carrier wave, for giving a series ofinstructions to make a computer disposed at the information reproductionapparatus perform the information reproduction method.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a computer datasignal embodied in a third carrier wave, for giving a series ofinstructions to make a computer disposed at the information record andreproduction apparatus perform the information record and reproductionmethod.

According to the computer data signal embodied in the first, second andthird carrier wave, the information record method, the informationreproduction method or the information record and reproduction method ofthe present invention can be performed relatively easily by downloadingand running the computer program in the computer data signal via thecomputer network or the like.

The aforementioned effects and other advantages of the present inventionwill be more apparent from the following explanation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates, in its upper part, a general plan view of an opticaldisc as an embodiment of the information record medium of the presentinvention; and illustrates, in its lower part, a schematic conceptualdiagram of an area structure in a radius direction corresponding to thegeneral plan view in the upper part.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic conceptual diagram (FIG. 2(a)) of aconventional program stream of MPEG2; and a schematic conceptual diagram(FIG. 2(b)) of a transport stream of MPEG2 used in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure recordedonto the optical disc in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure in eachobject shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating of multiplexing anelementary stream for the program #1 in the upper stage and anelementary stream for the program #2 in the middle stage, and forming atransport stream for the programs #1 and #2, under an assumption thatthe horizontal axis is a time axis.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image of the TS packetmultiplexed in one transport stream in the embodiment, as a packet arrayalong the time axis.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the data logical structure on theoptical disc in the embodiment, focusing on the development from thelogical hierarchy to the object hierarchy or the entity hierarchy.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the information record andreproduction apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a record operation (part 1) of theinformation record and reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a record operation (part 2) of theinformation record and reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a record operation (part 3) of theinformation record and reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a record operation (part 4) of theinformation record and reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a reproduction operation of theinformation record and reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an entire access flowduring the reproduction, in relation to the logical structure of theoptical disc.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the data structures of the TS objects#1 and #2 including a plurality of transport streams, in a specificembodiment in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of PAT and PMT ofthe TS object #1, in a specific example of the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of PAT and PMT ofthe TS object #2, in a specific example of the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of the TS object#3, in a specific example of the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of PAT and PMT ofthe TS object #3, in a specific example of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of the PS object#4, in a specific example of the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of the PS object#5, in a specific example of the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the data structure finally constructedon the optical disc, in a specific example of the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of thedata structure of the disc information file, in a specific example inthe embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of thedata structure of the playlist information table, in a specific examplein the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of thedata structure of the object information table constructed in the objectinformation file, in a specific example in the embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of thedata structure of the ES map table for TS constructed in the objectinformation file, in a specific example in the embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of thedata structure of the ES map table for PS constructed in the objectinformation file, in a specific example in the embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating the data structure of thestill object data, in another specific example in the embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating the data structure finallyconstructed on the optical disc, in another specific example in theembodiment.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of thedata structure of the playlist information table, in another specificexample in the embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of thedata structure of the object information table constructed in the objectinformation file, in another specific example in the embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific example of thedata structure of the ES map table for still picture constructed in theobject information file, in another specific example in the embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Information Record Medium)

The information record medium of the present invention will bediscussed, with reference to its embodiments, as well as FIG. 1 to FIG.7. In these embodiments, the information record medium of the presentinvention is applied to an optical disc capable of recording (writing)and reproducing (reading).

Firstly, with reference to FIG. 1, a fundamental structure of theoptical disc in an embodiment will be discussed. FIG. 1 illustrates, inits upper part, a general plan view of the optical disc structure havinga plurality of areas, and illustrates conceptually, in its lower part,an area structure in the radius direction corresponding to the upperpart.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical disc 100 may be recorded by variousrecord methods, such as magneto-optical method, phase change method,capable of recording (writing) only once or a plurality of times.Similarly to DVDs, the optical disc 100 has a lead-in area 104, a dataarea 106 and a lead-out area 108, from the inner circumference around acenter hole 102 to the outer circumference, on the record surface of thedisc body measuring about 12 cm in diameter. In each area, groove tracksand land tracks may be alternately formed, concentrically or spirallyaround the center hole 102. The groove tracks may be wobbled.Furthermore, pre-pits may be formed on one or both tracks. Incidentally,the present invention is not exclusively limited to the optical dischaving three areas mentioned above.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the structures of the transport stream(TS) and the program stream (PS) to be recorded onto the optical disc inthe embodiment will be discussed. FIG. 2(a) schematically illustrates aMPEG2 program stream of a conventional DVD for a comparison, FIG. 2(b)schematically illustrates a MPEG2 transport stream (TS) structure.Furthermore, FIG. 2(c) schematically illustrates a MPEG2 program streamstructure in the present invention.

In FIG. 2(a), one program stream to be recorded in the conventional DVDincludes only one video stream for vide data as main pictureinformation, along the time axis t, and further includes up to 8 audiostreams of audio data as audio information, up to 32 sub picture streamsfor sub picture data as sub picture information. That is, the video datato be multiplexed at an arbitrary time point tx relates to only onevideo stream. For example, a plurality of video stream corresponding toa plurality of TV programs or a plurality of movies can not be includedat the same time in the program stream. It is not possible to multiplexa plurality of TV programs and transfer or record them, in a programstream format of a DVD having only one video stream, because at leastone video stream is required for each TV program, in order to transferor record the multiplexed TV program or the like involving a videoimage.

In FIG. 2(b), one transport stream (TS) to be recorded in the opticaldisc 100 of the present invention includes a plurality of video streamsas elementary streams (ES) for video data as main picture information,and further includes a plurality of audio streams as elementary streams(ES) for audio data as audio information and a plurality of sub picturestreams as elementary streams (ES) for sub picture as sub pictureinformation. That is, the video data to be multiplexed at an arbitrarytime point tx relates to a plurality of video streams. For example, aplurality of video streams that may corresponds to a plurality of TVprograms or a plurality of movies can be included at the same time inthe transport stream. Thus, it is possible to multiplex a plurality ofTV programs and transfer or record them, in the transport stream formathaving a plurality of video streams. However, the sub picture stream isnot transferred in a digital broadcasting employing the existingtransport stream.

In FIG. 2(c), one program stream (PS) to be recorded onto the opticaldisc 100 of the present invention includes a plurality of video streamsfor video data as main picture information, and further includes aplurality of audio streams for audio data as audio information and aplurality of sub picture streams for sub picture data as sub pictureinformation. That is, the video data to be multiplexed at an arbitrarytime point tx relates to a plurality of video streams. For example, aplurality of video streams that may corresponds to a plurality of TVprograms or a plurality of movies can be included at the same time inthe program stream.

Incidentally, for convenience of explanation, the video stream, theaudio stream and the sub picture stream are arranged in this order fromthe top in FIG. 2(a) to FIG. 2(c). Nevertheless, this order does notcorrespond to an order for multiplexing packet by packet as mentionedbelow. In the transport stream, conceptually, a set of one video stream,two audio streams and two sub picture streams corresponds to one programfor example.

The optical disc 100 in the aforementioned embodiment is adapted tomulti-record the transport stream (TS) as shown in FIG. 2(b), i.e. torecord a plurality of programs at the same time. Furthermore, instead ofor in addition to this transport stream, the program stream (PS) asshown in FIG. 2(c) can be multi-recorded onto the same optical disc 100.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a structure of data to berecorded onto the optical disc 100 will be discussed. FIG. 3schematically illustrates the data structure to be recorded onto theoptical disc 100. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates in detail the datastructure in each object shown in FIG. 3.

In the following explanation, the “title” means a reproduction unit forconsecutively or continuously executing a plurality of “playlists” and aunit having a logically large group such as one movie or one TV program.The “playlist” is a file for storing the information required toreproduce the “object” and consists of a plurality of “items” eachstoring the information relating to a reproduction range of the objectto access the object. More specifically, “in point information”indicating the start address of the object and “out point information”indicating the end address are recorded in each item. Incidentally,these “in point information” and “out point information” may indicatedirectly the address respectively or may indicate indirectly the addresswith the time or time point on the reproduction time axis. The “object”is the entity information of contents constructing the aforementionedMPEG2 transport stream.

In FIG. 3, the optical disc 100 is provided with four files as a logicalstructure: a disc information file 110; a playlist (P list) informationfile 120; an object information file 130; and an object data file 140.The disc 100 is further provided with a file system 105 for managingthese files. Incidentally, although FIG. 3 does not show directly thephysical data arrangement on the optical disc 100, it is possible toperform the record so that the arrangement shown in FIG. 3 correspondsto another arrangement shown in FIG. 1, i.e. to record the file system105 or the like in the data record area 106 following the lead-in area104 and further record the object data file 140 or the like in the datarecord area 106. The file structure shown in FIG. 3 can be constructed,even without the lead-in area 104 or the lead-out area 108 shown in FIG.1.

The disc information file 110 is a file for storing general informationabout the entire optical disc 100, and stores the disc generalinformation 112, the title information table 114 and other information118. The disc general information 112 may store the total quantity oftitles in the optical disc 100. The title information table 114 stores,as the logical information, each title type (e.g. sequentialreproduction type, branch type and so on), or the playlist (P list)number constructing each title, for each title.

The playlist information file 120 is a reproduction sequence informationfile, for storing the playlist (P list) information table 121 indicatingthe logical structure of each playlist. The playlist information file120 is divided into the playlist (P list) general information 122, theplaylist (P list) pointer 124, a plurality of playlists (P lists) 126 (Plist #1-#n), and other information 128. In this playlist informationtable 121, the logical information of each playlist 126 is stored in theorder of the playlist number. In other words, the order for storing theeach playlist 126 is the playlist numbers. Furthermore, in theaforementioned title information table 114, the same playlist 126 can bereferred from a plurality of titles. That is, the playlist #p in theplaylist information table 121 may be pointed on the title informationtable 114, even in the case that title #n and title #m use the sameplaylist #p.

In the object information file 130, the storing position of the objectdata file 140 relative to each item constructed in each playlist 126(i.e. the logical address of the reproduction object), and/or variousattribution information relating to the reproduction of the item arestored. Particularly in this embodiment, the object information file 130stores the object information table 131 including a plurality of objectinformation 133 (object information #1-#m) as mentioned below, the ES(Elementary Stream) map table 134 and other information 135.Furthermore, the object information 133 stores the AU table 137including a plurality of AU (Associated Unit) information138I(AU#1-AU#q) as mentioned below.

The object data file 140 conforms to the MPEG2 transport stream (TS)standard, and has the object data 140TS for storing a plurality of TSobject 142 for each transport stream (TS object #1-TS #s object), i.e.entity data of contents to be actually reproduced. Furthermore, inaddition to or instead of this, it has the object data 140PS for storingthe “PS object” conforming with the MPEG2 program stream (PS) standardand the object data 140ST for storing the “still picture object (stillpicture data)” made of the still picture data of JPEG format, bitmapformat and so on.

Also the object information 133 and the ES map table 134 in theaforementioned object information file 130 are sorted respectively forTS, PS and still picture, corresponding to that the object data file 140is sorted for the TS, PS and still picture. The detail of these datastructures will be discussed later with the specific example (FIGS.25-27, FIGS. 31 and 32).

The object data file 140 may have all three object data 140TS, 140PS and140ST, or may have arbitrary two or only one from among them.Furthermore, each object data does not need to be arranged consecutivelyor continuously in the object data file 140.

Incidentally, four kinds of file discussed with reference to FIG. 3(i.e. the disc information file 110, the P list information file 120,the object information file 130 and the object data file 140) can befurther divided into a plurality of files respectively to be stored. Allthese files may be managed by the file system 105. For example, theobject data file 140 can be divided into a plurality of files such asobject data file #1, object data file #2, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, the TS object 142 constructing the object data 140TSshown in FIG. 3 and being a unit logically reproducible may be dividedinto a plurality of aligned units 143 each having 6 kB of data amount.The head of the aligned units 143 corresponds to the head of the TSobject 142 (aligned). Each aligned unit 143 is further divided into aplurality of source packets 144 each having 192B of data amount. Thesource packet 144 is a physically reproducible unit, on the basis ofwhich (i.e. by a unit of the packet) at least the video data, the audiodata ant the sub picture data from among the data on the optical disc100 are multiplexed, and other information may be multiplexed in thesame manner. Each source packet 144 includes the control information 145to control the reproduction, for example a packet arrival time stamp orthe like indicating the reproduction start time point of the TS(Transport Stream) packet having 4B of data amount on the reproductiontime axis, and the TS packet 146 having 188B of data amount. The TSpacket 146 has a packet header 146 a at its head portion. At the packetpay load 146 b, the video data may be packetized as the “video packet”,the audio data may be packetized as the “audio packet”, or the subpicture data may be packetized as the “sub picture packet”, otherwiseother data may be packetized.

On the other hand, from among the object data file 140 shown in FIG. 3,the PS object constructing the object data 140PS relating to the programstream and being a logically reproducible unit is divided into accessunits as an accessible information unit. Each access unit is made of aninformation unit referred to as “PS pack” that may have 2048 bytes ofdata length. The detail of the PS pack is the same as in a known DVD,such as a video pack, an audio pack, a sub picture pack and a navigationpack. Particularly in the embodiment, with regard to the PS object, theES address information is recorded in the ES map table 134 by an accessunit. During the reproduction, the access unit can be accessed, on thebasis of the ES address information.

Preferably in this embodiment, the data length, 2048 bytes, of eachpacket in the PS object may be variable, and the packet lengthinformation indicating the packet data length of each PS object isrecorded in the object information file 130 (see FIG. 25 and FIG. 31),as discussed below. Each packet record position is identified byreferring to the packet length information during the reproduction.

Furthermore, from among the object data file 140 shown in FIG. 3, thestill picture object constructing the object data 140ST relating to thestill picture and being a logically reproducible unit is made of theobject data such as known JPEG format, bitmap format.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 6, the multi-recording of thevideo data, the audio data, the sub picture data and the like in thetransport stream format as shown in FIG. 2(b) by the TS packet 146 shownin FIG. 4 will be discussed. FIG. 5(a) conceptually illustrates that theelementary stream (ES) for program #1 (PG1) in the upper stage and theelementary stream (ES) for program #2 (PG2) in the middle stage aremultiplexed, and the transport stream (TS) for these two programs(PG1&2) is formed, under an assumption that a horizontal axis is definedas a time axis. FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates an image of the TSpackets multiplexed in one transport stream (TS), as a packet arrayalong the time axis.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the elementary stream for program #1 (in theupper stage) may be formed by discretely arranging TS packets 146obtained by packetizing the video data for program #1, along to the timeaxis. The elementary stream for program #2 (in the middle stage) may beformed by discretely arranging TS packets 146 obtained by packetizingthe video data for program #2, along to the time axis. Then, these TSpackets 146 are multiplexed so that the transport stream (in the lowerstage) for two programs is made. Incidentally, omitted for convenienceof explanation in FIG. 5, the elementary stream made of TS packetsobtained by packetizing the audio data and/or the sub picture streammade of TS packets obtained by packetizing the sub picture data may bemultiplexed similarly as the elementary stream for program #1, as shownin FIG. 2(b). In addition to this, the elementary stream made of TSpackets obtained by packetizing the audio data and the sub picturestream made of TS packets obtained by packetizing the sub picture datamay be multiplexed similarly as the elementary stream for program #2.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a plurality of TS packets 146multiplexed as such forms one TS stream. Then, the plurality of TSpackets 146 in the multiplexed form is multi-recorded onto the opticaldisc 100, with the information such as the packet arrival time stamp 145and the like being added. Incidentally, in FIG. 6, the TS packet 146consisting of the data forming program #i (i=1, 2, 3) is indicated by“element (i0j)” under the assumption that j (j=1, 2, . . . ) is a numberindicating an order for each stream forming the program. This (iOj) isdefined as a packet ID which is an identification number of the TSpacket 146 for each elementary stream. This packet ID is fixed at aninherent value for a plurality of TS packets 146 to be multiplexed a thesame time point, so that the plurality of TS packets 146 isdistinguished from each other even if they are multiplexed at the sametime point.

Furthermore, in FIG. 6, PAT (Program Association Table) and PMT (ProgramMap Table) are also packetized by a unit of the TS packet 146 andmultiplexed. The PAT among them stores a table indicating a plurality ofthe PMT packet ID. Particularly, the PAT is defined by MPEG2 standard sothat (000) is given as a predetermined packet ID, as shown in FIG. 6.That is, from among a plurality of packets multiplexed at the same time,the TS packet 146 obtained by packetizing the PAT is detected, as the TSpacket 146 whose packet ID is (000). The PMT stores a table indicatingthe packet ID for each elementary stream forming each program as for oneor more programs. Any packet ID can be given to the PMT, their packetIDs are indicated by the PAT detectable based on the packet ID (000) asmentioned above. Therefore, among a plurality of packets multiplexed atthe same time point, the TS packets 146 obtained by packetizing the PMT(i.e. TS packets 146 to which packet IDs (100), (200), (300) are givenin FIG. 6) are detected on the basis of the PAT.

In the case that the transport stream as shown in FIG. 6 is transferreddigitally, the tuner refers to the PAT and the PMT constructed as suchand thereby extracts the multiplexed packets corresponding to thedesired elementary stream and decodes the extracted packets.

In this embodiment, these PAT and PMT are included as the TS packets 146to be stored in the TS object 142 shown in FIG. 4. That is, when thetransport stream as shown in FIG. 6 is transferred, the transferredtransport stream can be directly recorded onto the optical disc 100,which is a great advantage.

Furthermore in this embodiment, the PAT and the PMT recorded as such arenot referred to when the optical disc 100 is reproduced. Instead,referring to the AU table 137 and the ES map table 134 shown in FIG. 3and mentioned in detail later makes it possible to perform thereproduction effectively and apply to the complicated multi-visionreproduction or the like. For this, in this embodiment, a relationshipbetween packets and the elementary stream obtained by referring to thePAT and the PMT on decoding or recording is stored in the objectinformation file 130, in a form of AU table 137 and ES map table 134,without packetizing or multiplexing.

The object information table relating to the TS object 142 will bementioned later in detail (see FIGS. 15-19, FIG. 22, FIG. 25 and FIG.26).

Next, with reference to FIG. 5(b), an explanation will be made to thatthe video data, the audio data, the sub picture data and the like in theprogram stream format as shown in FIG. 2(c) is multi-recorded onto theoptical disc 100 by the PS pack 146PS. Here, FIG. 5(b) conceptuallyillustrates that the video or audio stream for program #3 (PG3) in theupper stage (individual stream conforming to MPEG2 program streamstandard) and the stream for program #4 (PG4) in the middle stage(individual stream also conforming to MPEG2 program stream standard) aremultiplexed, and the program stream (PS) for these two programs (PG3 andPG4) is formed, under an assumption that a horizontal axis is defined asa time axis.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), in the stream for program #3 (in the upperstage), for example, the video data for program #3 is packetized by thePS pack 146 (e.g. a data length of 2048 bytes) usually larger than theTS packet 146 in FIG. 5(a) (e.g. packet having a data length of 192bytes including the packet arrival stamp 145 or the like as shown inFIG. 4), and arranged discretely along to the time axis (horizontalaxis). In the stream for program #4 (in the middle stage), for example,the video data for program #4 is packetized by the PS pack 146PS, andarranged discretely along to the time axis (horizontal axis). Then,these PS packs 146 are multiplexed to form the program stream for thesetwo programs (in the lower stage). Incidentally, omitted for convenienceof explanation in FIG. 5(b), in practice, the stream made of PS packsobtained by packetizing the sub picture data or the stream made of PSpacks obtained by packetizing the audio data may be packetized as thestream for program #1, as shown in FIG. 2(c). In addition to these, thestream made of PS packs obtained by packetizing the audio data or thestream made of PS packs obtained by packetizing the sub picture data maybe also multiplexed, as the stream for program #4.

With regard to the PS object in the object data 140PS (see FIG. 3)relating to the program stream as shown in FIG. 5(b), similarly to thecase of the conventional DVD video standard, the stream ID is given tothe video stream and the audio stream in the MPEG program stream, andthereby a specific video stream or a specific audio stream to bereproduced is selected from a whole program stream (see FIG. 2(c) andFIG. 5(b)) to perform the reproduction. Furthermore, the sub stream IDis given to an encoded audio stream such as LPCM assigned to the privatestream. Thereby, a specific stream to be reproduced is selected from awhole program stream to perform the reproduction. In any case, thestream ID or the sub stream ID is recorded, for each stream, in the ESmap table and the object information table including AU table.

The object information table relating to the PS object will be mentionedlater in detail, with the specific example (see FIGS. 20-22, FIG. 25 andFIG. 27).

The identification information indicating that the object is a stillpicture is given to the still object in the object data 140ST relatingto the still picture shown in FIG. 3. Thereby, a specific still pictureinformation to be reproduced is selected to perform the reproduction.The object information table relating to the still picture object willbe mentioned later in detail, with the specific example (see FIG. 28,FIG. 29 and FIG. 32).

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the logical structure of data on theoptical disc 100 will be discussed. FIG. 7 schematically illustrates thelogical structure of data on the optical disc 100, focusing on thedevelopment from the logical hierarchy to the object hierarchy or theentity hierarchy.

In FIG. 7, one or more titles 200 that are a logical large unit such asone movie or one TV program are recorded onto the optical disc 100. Eachtitle 200 logically consists of one or more playlists 126. In each title200, the plurality of playlists may have a sequential structure or mayhave a branch structure.

Incidentally, in the case of a simple logical structure, one title 200consists of one playlist 126. On the other hand, one playlist 126 may bereferred to from a plurality of titles 200.

Each playlist 126 is logically made of a plurality of items (play items)204. In each playlist 126, a plurality of items 204 may have thesequential structure or may have the branch structure. On the otherhand, one item 204 may be referred to from a plurality of playlists 126.The aforementioned in-point information and out-point informationdescribed by the item 204 logically designates the reproduction range ofthe TS object 142, the PS object 142PS or the still picture object 142ST(hereinafter referred to as “TS object 142 and the like” asappropriate). Then, the object information 130 d about the logicallydesignated reproduction range is referred to and thereby thereproduction range of the TS object 142 and the like is physicallydesignated, via the file system finally. Here, the object information130 d includes various information to reproduce the TS object 142 andthe like, such as the attribute information of the TS object 142 and thelike, the ES address information 134 d and the like required for thedata search in the TS object 142 and the like (incidentally, the ES maptable 134 shown in FIG. 3 includes a plurality of ES address information134 d).

Then, when the information record and reproduce apparatus reproduces theTS object 142 and the like as mentioned below, a physical address to bereproduced in the TS object 142 and the like is obtained from the item204 and the object information 130 d so that a desired elementary streamis reproduced.

Thus, in this embodiment, the in-point information and out-pointinformation recorded on/in the item 204, as well as the ES addressinformation 134 d recorded in the ES map table 134 (see FIG. 3) of theobject information 130 d make it possible to perform the associationfrom the logical hierarchy to the object hierarchy in the reproductionsequence so that the elementary stream is reproduced.

As discussed above, in this embodiment, units of the TS packet 146 or PSpack 146PS(see FIGS. 5 and 6) are multiplexed on the optical disc 100.Thereby, the transport stream and program stream including a pluralityelementary stream as shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 2(c) can be recordedonto the optical disc 100. In this embodiment, in the case that digitalbroadcasting is recorded onto the optical disc 100, a plurality ofprograms can be recorded at the same time, within the restriction of therecord rate. Nevertheless, herein record method in which a plurality ofprograms is multiplexed relative to one TS object 142 and the like forthe recording. Now, an embodiment of the information record andreproduce apparatus capable of performing the record processing will bediscussed.

Incidentally, in the following embodiment, the information record andreproduction apparatus is constructed so as to record and reproduce boththe transport stream and the program stream on the same optical disc100. This includes an embodiment of the information record andreproduction apparatus capable of handling only one of these streams.That is, if a switching structure of streams is removed, and a structurerelating to only one of these streams is remained, the informationrecord and reproduction apparatus can be constructed specifically foronly one of these streams.

(Information Record and Reproduction Apparatus)

Next, with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 13, an embodiment of theinformation record and reproduction apparatus of the present inventionwill be discussed. Here, FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the informationrecord and reproduction apparatus, and each of FIG. 9 to FIG. 13illustrates the operational flow of the information record andreproduction apparatus.

In FIG. 8, the information record and reproduction apparatus 500 isroughly divided into a reproduction system and a record system. Theinformation record and reproduction apparatus 500 is constructed torecord the information onto the optical disc 100 mentioned above andreproduce the information recorded thereon/therein. In this embodiment,the information record and reproduction apparatus 500 is thus forrecording and reproduction. Nevertheless, basically, the informationrecode apparatus of the present invention can be constructed with therecord system of the information record and reproduction apparatus 500and the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention canbe constructed with the reproduction system of the information recordand reproduction apparatus 500.

The information record and reproduction apparatus 500 is provided with:an optical pickup 502; a servo unit 503; a spindle motor 504; a decoder506; a demultiplexer 508; a video decoder 511; an audio decoder 512; asub picture decoder 513; an adder 514; a system controller 520; a memory530; a still picture decoder 540; a modulator 606; a formatter 608; aTS/PS object generator 610; a video encoder 611; an audio encoder 612;and a sub picture encoder 613. The system controller 520 includes a filesystem/logical structure data generator 521 and a file system/logicalstructure data reader 522. Furthermore, the memory 530 and a userinterface 720 to give a user input such as title information areconnected to the system controller 520.

Among these constitutional elements, the decoder 506, the demultiplexer508, the video decoder 511, the audio decoder 512, the sub picturedecoder 513, the adder 514 and the still picture decoder 540 mainlyconstructs the reproduction system. On the other hand, among theseconstitutional elements, the modulator 606, the formatter 608, the TS/PSobject generator 610, the video encoder 611, the audio encoder 612 andthe sub picture encoder 613 mainly constructs the record system. Theoptical pickup 502, the servo unit 503, the spindle motor 504, thesystem controller 520, the memory 530 and the user interface 720 to givethe user input such as title information are generally shared for boththe reproduction system and the record system. Furthermore, for therecord system, an object data source 700 as a data source of TS objectdata, PS object data and still picture data; a video data source 711; anaudio data source 712; and a sub picture data source 713 are prepared.Furthermore, the file system/logical structure data generator 521disposed in the system controller 520 is used mainly in the recordsystem, and the file system/logical structure reader 522 is used mainlyin the reproduction system.

The optical pickup 502 irradiates light beam LB such as laser beam ontothe optical disc 100, at the first power as reading light during thereproduction, and modulates and irradiate LB at the second power aswriting light on recording. The servo unit 503 performs the focus servo,the tracking servo and the like for the optical pickup 502, as well asthe spindle servo for the spindle motor 504, under control of thecontrol signal Sc1 outputted from the system controller 520, during thereproduction and recording. The spindle motor 504 is controlled underthe spindle servo by the servo unit 503, for rotating the optical disc100 at a predetermined speed.

(i) Structure and Operation of Record System

Next, with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 12, a specific structure and theoperation of each constitutional element constructing the record systemof the information recode and reproduction apparatus 500 will beexplained in each case.

(i-1) In the case that the already generated object is used:

This case will be discussed, with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

In FIG. 8, the object data source 700 may be made of the storage such asa video tape, a memory, for storing the object data D1 that correspondsto the TS object data, the PS object data or the still picture data.

Firstly in FIG. 9, an information of each title (e.g. the constructionor the contents of the playlist etc.) to be logically constructed on theoptical disc 100 using the object data D1 is inputted into the systemcontroller 520, as the user input I2 such as the title information, viathe user interface 720. Then, the system controller 520 takes in theuser input 12 such as the title information via the user interface 720(step S21: Yes, and step S22). In this case, the user interface 720,under control of the control signal Sc4 from the system controller 520,can perform the input operation in response to the contents to berecorded, such as the selection via the title menu screen. Incidentally,if the user input is already performed (step S21: No), these processesare omitted.

Next, the object data source 700 outputs the object data D1, undercontrol of the control signal Sc8 to instruct the data reading from thesystem controller 520. Then, the system controller 520 takes in theobject data D1 from the object data source 700 (step S23), and performsthe data array analysis (e.g. a record data length and the like) of theobject data D1, the analysis of each elementary stream structure (e.g.interpretation of ES_PID (elementary stream/packet identificationnumber)), on the basis of the PAT, the PMT and the like packetized withthe video data as mentioned above, due to the TS analysis function inthe file system/logical structure data generator 521. Alternatively, dueto the PS analysis function in the file system/logical structure datagenerator 521, it may perform the interpretation of each streamstructure in the program stream (e.g. interpretation of stream ID or substream ID) (step S24).

Next, the system controller 520 makes the file system/logical structuredata generator 521 generate the disc information file 110, the playlistinformation file 120, the object information file 130 and the filesystem 105 (see FIG. 3), as the logical information file data D4, on thebasis of the analysis result of each elementary stream and the dataarray of the object data D1, as well as the user input I2 such as thetaken-in title information (step S25). The memory 530 is used togenerate this logical information file data D4.

Incidentally, variations in which the data about the information of eachelementary stream structure and the data array of the object data D1 isprepared in advance are naturally conceived, all of which areencompassed within a scope of the embodiment.

In FIG. 8, the formatter 608 is for formatting the data array to storeboth the object data D1 and the logical information file data D4 on theoptical disc 100. More specifically, the formatter 608 is provided witha switch Sw1 and a switch Sw2 and is switching-controlled by a switchcontrol signal Sc5 from the system controller 520. When formatting theTS object data D1, it connects the switch Sw1 to a {circle over (1)}side and the switch Sw2 to the {circle over (1)} side so as to outputthe TS object Data D1 from the TS object data source 700. Incidentally,the transmission control of the TS object Data D1 is performed by thecontrol signal Sc8 from the system controller 520. On the other hand,when formatting the logical information file data D4, the formatter 608is switching-controlled by the switch control signal Sc5 from the systemcontroller 520, and connects the switch Sw2 to a {circle over (2)} sideso as to output the logical information file data D4.

At step S26 in FIG. 9, (i) the logical information file data D4 from thefile system/logical structure data generator 521 at the step S25 or (ii)the TS object Data D1 from the TS object data source 700 is outputtedthrough the formatter 608 by the switching-control by the formatter 608as constructed above (step S26).

The output selectively outputted from the formatter 608 is transmittedto the modulator 606 as disc image data D5, is modulated by themodulator 606, and is recorded onto the optical disc 100 through theoptical pickup 502 (step S27). The system controller 520 also performsthe disc record control in this case.

Then, if both the logical information file data D4 generated at the stepS25 and the corresponding object Data D1 have not been completelyrecorded yet, the operational flow returns to the step S26, continuingto the record (step S28: No). Incidentally, there is no preference inthe record order of the logical information file data D4 and thecorresponding object Data D1.

On the other hand, if the both the logical information file data D4generated at the step S25 and the corresponding object data D1 have beenalready recorded, it is judged whether or not the recording onto theoptical disc 100 is to be ended, on the basis of the presence or absenceof an end command (step S29). If it is not to be ended (step S29: No),the operational flow returns to the step S21, continuing the recordprocessing. On the other hand, if it is to be ended (step S29: Yes), aseries of record processing ends.

As described above, the information record and reproduction apparatus500 performs the record processing in the case of using the alreadyprepared TS object.

Incidentally, the example in FIG. 9 shows that the logical informationfile data D4 and the corresponding object data D1 are outputted at thestep S26, after preparing the logical information file data D4 at thestep S25. However, it is also possible to perform the output of theobject data D1 and/or the record of the object data D1 onto the opticaldisc 100 before the step S25, and after or in parallel with thisrecording, it is possible to generate and record the logical informationfile data D4.

(i-2) The case of receiving the stream on air and recording it:

This case will be explained with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 10.Incidentally, in FIG. 10, the same steps as those in FIG. 9 have thesame step reference numbers, and their explanation will be omitted asoccasion demands.

Again, in this case, the similar processing is performed, as is “thecase of using the already prepared object” described above. Therefore,focusing on the differences from this case, the explanation will be donehereinafter.

In the case of receiving the transport stream or program stream on airand recording it, the object data source 700 is provided with a receiver(set top box) for receiving the digital broadcast on air, for example,receives the object Data D1, and transmits it to the formatter 608 inreal time (step S41). At the same time, reception information D3 (i.e.information corresponding to the data transmitted through the receiverand the interface of the system controller 520) including the programconstruction information, the ES_PID information as described later, thestream ID, the sub stream ID and the like which are deciphered uponreceiving is taken into the system controller 520 and is stored into thememory 530 (step S44).

In the meantime, the object Data D1 outputted to the formatter 608 isoutputted to the modulator 606 by the switching-control of the formatter608 (step S42), and is recorded onto the optical disc 100 (step S43).

Along with these operations, using the program construction information,the ES_PID information, the stream ID, the sub stream ID and the likeincluded in the reception information D3 taken-in upon receiving andstored in the memory 530, the file system/logical structure datagenerator 521 prepares the logical information file data D4 (step S24and step S25). Then, after the completion of recording a series of theobject Data D1, this logical information file data D4 is additionallyrecorded onto the optical disc 100 (step S46 and step S47).Incidentally, these steps S24 and S25 may be performed after the stepS43.

Moreover, as the occasion demands (e.g. in the case of editing oneportion of the title, or the like), by adding the user input I2 such asthe title information and the like from the user interface 720 to theprogram construction information, the ES_PID information, the stream ID,the sub stream ID and the like stored in the memory 530, it is possibleto prepare the logical information file data D4 by the system controller520 and additionally record this onto the optical disc 100.

As described above, the information record and reproduction apparatus500 performs the record processing in the case of receiving thetransport stream or program stream on air and recording it in real time.

Incidentally, if all of the data received in broadcasting is once storedinto an archive apparatus, and then, if this is used as the objectsource 700, the same processing as that in “the case of using thealready prepared object” will do.

(i-3) The case of recording the video data, the audio data and thesub-picture data

This case will be explained with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 11.Incidentally, in FIG. 11, the same steps as those in FIG. 9 have thesame step reference numbers, and their explanation will be omitted asoccasion demands.

In the case of recording the video data, the audio data, and thesub-picture data, which are individually prepared in advance, the videodata source 711, the audio data source 712, and the sub-picture datasource 713 are individually provided with the storage, such as a videotape and a memory, and store a video data DV, an audio data DA, and asub-picture data DS, respectively.

These data sources are controlled by the control signal Sc8, giving aninstruction for reading out the data, from the system controller 520.And these data sources transmit the video data DV, the audio data DA,and the sub-picture data DS, to the video encoder 611, the audio encoder612, and the sub-picture encoder 613, respectively (step S61). Then, thevideo encoder 611, the audio encoder 612, and the sub-picture encoder613 perform a predetermined type of encode processing (step S62).

The TS/PS object generator 610 is controlled by a control signal Sc6from the system controller 520 and converts the data encoded in thismanner to the TS object data constituting the transport stream or the PSobject data constituting the program stream (step S63). In this case,the data array information of each TS object data (e.g. a record datalength and the like) and the construction information of each elementarystream (e.g. the ES_PID, as described later, and the like), or the dataarray information of each PS object data and the constructioninformation of the program stream (e.g. the stream ID, the sub stream IDand the like), are transmitted from the TS/PS object generator 610 tothe system controller 520 as information I6 and are stored into thememory 530 (step S66).

On the other hand, the object data D2 that is the TS object data or thePS object data generated by the TS/PS object generator 610 istransmitted to the {circle over (2)} side of the switch Sw1 of theformatter 608. Namely, when formatting the object data D2 from the TS/PSobject generator 610, the formatter 608 is switching-controlled by theswitch control signal Sc5 from the system controller 520 to shift theswitch Sw1 to the {circle over (2)} side and the switch Sw2 to the{circle over (1)} side, thereby outputting the object data D2 (stepS64). Then, this object data D2 is recorded onto the optical disc 100through the modulator 606 (step S65).

Along with these operations, using the data array information of eachobject data and the construction information of each stream taken intothe memory 530 as the information I6, the file system/logical structuredata generator 521 prepares the logical information file data D4 (stepS24 and step S25). Then, after the completion of recording a series ofthe object data D2, this is additionally recorded onto the optical disc100 (step S67 and step S68). Incidentally, the step S24 and the step S25may be processed after the step S65.

Moreover, as the occasion demands (e.g. in the case of editing oneportion of the title), by adding the user input I2 such as the titleinformation and the like from the user interface 720 to theseinformation stored in the memory 530, it is possible to prepare thelogical information file data D4 by the file system/logical structuregenerator 521 and additionally record this onto the optical disc 100.

As described above, the information record and reproduction apparatus500 performs the record processing in the case of recording the videodata, the audio data, and the sub-picture data, which are individuallyprepared in advance.

Incidentally, this record processing is applicable even when recordingan arbitrary content the user has.

(i-4) The case of recording the data by authoring

This case will be explained with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 12.Incidentally, in FIG. 12, the same steps as those in FIG. 9 have thesame step reference numbers, and their explanation will be omitted asoccasion demands.

In this case, by combining the above described three types of recordprocessing in the three cases, an authoring system generates the TSobject or the PS object, the logical information file data, and the likein advance (step S81), and then completes the processing ofswitching-control performed at the formatter 608 (step S82). Then, theinformation obtained by this operation is transmitted to the modulator606 equipped in front side and/or back side of an original disc cuttingmachine, as the disc image data D5 (step S83), and this cutting machineprepares the original disc (step S84).

(ii) Structure and Operation in Reproduction System

Next, the specific structure and operation of each constitutionalelement constituting the reproduction system of the information recordand reproduction apparatus 500 will be explained with reference to FIG.8 and FIG. 13.

In FIG. 8, via the user interface 720, the title to be reproduced fromthe optical disc 100, its reproduction condition and the like areinputted to the system controller 520, as the user input 12 such as thetitle information and the like. In this case, under control of thecontrol signal Sc4 from the system controller 520, the input processingsuitable for the content to be reproduced, such as a selection on atitle menu screen, can be performed by the user interface 720.

Responding to this, the system controller 520 controls the discreproduction with respect to the optical disc 100, and the opticalpickup 502 transmits a reading signal S7 to the demodulator 506.

The demodulator 506 demodulates a recorded signal recorded onto theoptical disc 100 from this reading signal S7, and outputs it asdemodulated data D8. The logical information file data (i.e. the filesystem 105, the disc information file 110, the P list information file120, and the object information file 130, shown in FIG. 3) as being anot-multiplexed information part included in this demodulated data D8are supplied to the system controller 520. On the basis of this logicalinformation file data, the system controller 520 performs variousreproduction control, such as processing of determining a reproductionaddress and controlling the optical pickup 502.

On the other hand, as for the object data that is the TS object data orthe PS object data as being a multiplexed information part included inthe demodulated data D8, the demultiplexer 508 is controlled by acontrol signal Sc2 from the system controller 520 to demultiplex theobject data. Here, when the access to the reproduction position addressis terminated under the reproduction control by the system controller520, the control signal Sc9 shifts the switch Sw3 to {circle over(1)}side (i.e. the demultiplexer 508 side) for the switching control,and the control signal Sc2 controls the demultiplexer 508 so as to startdemultiplexing in a timing suitable for the TS object or in a timingsuitable for the PS object.

Regardless of whether the object data included in the demodulated dataD8 is the TS object data or the PS object data, the control signal Sc2switches the internal processing for TS or for PS, and thereby thedemultiplexer 508 transmits and supplies the video packet, the audiopacket and the sub-picture packet to the video decoder 511, the audiodecoder 512 and the sub-picture decoder 513, respectively. Then, theobject data is decoded and thereby the video data DV, the audio data DAand the sub-picture data DS are respectively generated.

Incidentally, the packets obtained by packetizing the PAT or the PMT,included in the transport stream shown in FIG. 6, are includedrespectively as a part of the demodulated data D8; however, they arediscarded or abandoned at the demultiplexer 508.

On the other hand, if the demodulated data D8 includes the still picturedata in JPEG format, the bitmap format and the like, the ES map table orthe like in the object information file is referred to, and thereby thesystem controller firstly detects that the still picture data isincluded. Then, the system controller 520 shifts the switch Sw3 to{circle over (2)} side (i.e. the still picture decoder 540 side) for theswitching control by the control signal Sc9 b. Thereby, the stillpicture data included in the demodulate data D8 is appropriately decodedby the still picture decoder 540. Then, the still picture decoder 540outputs the decode process result as the still picture data DST to theadder 514.

The adder 514 is controlled by a control signal Sc3, giving aninstruction of the mixing, from the system controller 520, and mixes orsuperimposes in a predetermined timing the video data DV and thesub-picture data DS, which are respectively decoded at the video decoder511 and the sub-picture decoder 513. Alternatively, it mixes orsuperimposes the still picture data DST from the still picture decoder,or outputs it alone. The result is outputted as a video output from theinformation record and reproduction apparatus 500 to a TV monitor, forexample.

On the other hand, the audio data DA decoded at the audio decoder 512 isoutputted as an audio output from the information record andreproduction apparatus 500 to an external speaker, for example.

Here, the specific example of a reproduction processing routine by thesystem controller 520 will be explained with reference to FIG. 13.

In FIG. 13, it is assumed that as an initial condition, the recognitionof the optical disc 100 in the reproduction system and the recognitionof a volume structure and a file structure by the file system 105 (seeFIG. 3) have been already completed by the system controller 520 and thefile system/logical structure data reader 522 inside the systemcontroller 520. Here, an explanation will be made to the operationalflow after obtaining the total quantity of the total titles from thedisc general information 112 in the disc information file 110 and thenchoosing or selecting one title from among them.

Firstly, the choice or selection of the title is performed via the userinterface 720 (step S11), and the system controller 520 obtains theinformation about the reproduction sequence from a reading result of thefile system/logical structure data reader 522. More specifically, theprocessing in the logical hierarchy (i.e. obtaining the information forindicating a playlist structure and the information about each of theItems constituting the playlist_(see FIG. 7)) is performed (step S12).By this, a reproduction object is determined (step S13).

Then, the object information file 130 relating to the TS object, the PSobject or the still picture object as being the reproduction object isobtained. Especially in the embodiment, the AU (Association Unit)information 138 and the PU (Presentation Unit) information 302I (seeFIG. 25 and FIG. 31 as mentioned later) are also obtained as theinformation stored in the object information file 130 (step S14). Theseobtained information allow the association or correlation from the abovedescribed logical hierarchy to the object hierarchy (see FIG. 7).

Then, on the basis of the obtained reproduction sequence information andobject information, the object to be reproduced next is determined (stepS141).

Then, it is judged whether the determined object to be reproduced is thestill picture object or not (step S142). If it is not the still pictureobject (step S142: No), it is judged whether it is the TS object or not(step S143).

As the result of the judgement at step S143, if it is the TS object(step S143: Yes), the control signal Sc9 from the system controller 520shifts the switch Sw3 to {circle over (1)} side, and the control signalSc2 from the system controller 520 sets the demultiplexer 508 for the TS(step S144).

On the other hand, as the result of the judgment at step S143, if it isnot the TS object (step S143: No), the control signal Sc9 from thesystem controller 520 shifts the switch Sw3 to {circle over (1)} side,and the control signal Sc2 from the system controller 520 sets thedemultiplexer 508 for the PS (step S145).

On the other hand, as the result of the judgement at step S142, if it isthe still picture object (step S142: Yes), the control signal Sc9 fromthe system controller 520 shifts the switch to {circle over (2)} side(step S146).

After any one processing of the above steps S144 to S146 is terminatedand the demultiplexer 508 and each decoder are ready for the processing,the reproduction address of the object to be reproduced is determined(step S15) and then the object hierarchy processing is started, i.e. thereproduction is actually started (step S16).

During the reproduction, it is monitored whether or not a command for a“scene switching” corresponding to switching PU 302 in the AU 138 basedon the AU information 138 and the PU information 302I as mentioned belowis inputted (step S17). Here, the command for the “scene switching” isinputted (step S17: Yes), the operational flow goes back to step S15 torepeat the processings from step S15 to step S17. On the other hand, ifthe command for the “scene switching” is not inputted (step S17: No), itis judged whether or not reproductions of all objects to be reproducedare completed (step S18). At this stage, if reproductions of all objectsto be reproduced are not completed (step S18: No), the operational flowgoes back to step S14 to repeat the following processings.

On the other hand, if reproductions of all objects to be reproduced arecompleted (step S18: Yes), it is judged whether or not a command toterminate the reproduction processing is inputted (step S19). At thisstage, if the termination command is not inputted (step S19: No), theoperational flow goes back to step S11 to repeat processings from stepS11 to step S19. On the other hand, if the termination command isinputted (step S19: Yes), a series of reproduction processing ends.

(Access Flow on Reproduction)

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the access flow on reproduction by theinformation record and reproduction apparatus 500, employing the AU(Association Unit) information 138 and the PU (Presentation Unit)information 302, will be explained as one of the features of thisembodiment, with the logical structure of the optical disc 100. FIG. 14schematically illustrates an entire access flow on reproduction, inrelation to the logical structure of the optical disc 100.

In FIG. 14, the logical structure of the optical disc 100 is categorizedroughly into the following three hierarchies: a logical hierarchy 401;an object hierarchy 403; and a logical-object association hierarchy 402mutually associating those two hierarchies.

Among them, the logical hierarchy 401 is a hierarchy for logicallyspecifying various logical information to be used to reproduce thedesired title when reproducing, as well as the playlist (P list) to bereproduced and its construction. In the logical hierarchy 401, discinformation 110 d indicating the entire titles 200 and the like on theoptical disc 100 is written within the disc information file 110 (seeFIG. 3), and further, reproduction sequence information 120 d of theentire contents on the optical disc 100 is written within the playlistinformation file 120 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, as thereproduction sequence information 120 d, the construction of one or moreplaylists 126 is written in each title 200, and the construction of oneor more Items 204 (see FIG. 7) is written in each playlist 126. Then, atthe time of the access during the reproduction, the logical hierarchy401 as described above specifies the title 200 to be reproduced, theplaylist 126 corresponding to this title 200, and further the Item 204corresponding to this playlist 126.

Then, the logical-object association hierarchy 402 is a hierarchy forspecifying the attribute and the physical storing address of variousobject data in the object data file 140 to be reproduced, so as tospecify the combination and/or the construction of the TS object data,the PS object data and the still picture data in the object data file140 as being the entity data and to perform an address conversion to theobject hierarchy 403 from the logical hierarchy 401, on the basis of theinformation specified in the logical hierarchy 401 as described above.More specifically, in the logical-object association hierarchy 402, theobject information data 130 d, which separates a group of the contentsconstituting each Item 204 into units of the AU 138 and which finelyseparates each AU 138 into units of the PU 302, is written in the objectinformation file 130 (see FIG. 3).

Here, the “PU (Presentation Unit) 302” is a unit associating and unitinga plurality of elementary streams by the reproduction switchable unit.If there are three audio streams in the PU 302, the user can freelyswitch these three audio (e.g. audio for each language), during thereproduction of this vision.

On the other hand, the “AU (Associate Unit) 138” is a unit uniting aplurality of elementary streams such as the video stream in the TSobject used in one title, and made of one or more PU 302. Morespecifically, it is a unit uniting the elementary stream packet IDs(ES_PID) for each TS object, indirectly via the PU 302. This AU 138corresponds to an assembly made of a plurality of programs having aspecific inter-relationship in view of the contents, such as a pluralityof programs switchable to each other in the multi-source broadcasting.The PU 302 belonged to the same AU 138 corresponds to assembly made ofone or more elementary stream each constructing a plurality of programsswitchable to each other by the user operation during the reproduction.

Therefore, if the AU 138 to be reproduced is identified, and the PUbelonged to the AU is identified, the elementary stream to be reproducedis identified. That is, if the TS object is recorded, a desiredelementary stream can be reproduced from the multi-recorded optical disc100, without using the PAT or the PMT shown in FIG. 6.

Incidentally, a further specific data structure of the AU information138I and the PU information 302I, each defining the AU 138 and the PU302, will be discussed later, with reference to FIG. 25, FIG. 31 and thelike.

If the TS object data is recorded as the object data, the elementarystream to be actually reproduced is identified or designated by theES_PID that is a packet ID (see FIG. 6) of the elementary stream, on thebasis of the PU information 302. At the same time, the informationindicating the start time point and the end time point of thereproduction is converted to the elementary stream address information,and thereby the contents in a specific area (or a specific time range)of a specific elementary stream is reproduced.

Alternatively, if the PS object data is recorded as the object data, thestream in the program stream to be actually reproduced is identified ordesignated by a stream ID or sub stream ID of each stream, on the basisof the PU information 302. At the same time, the information indicatingthe start time point and the end time point of the reproduction isconverted to the address information of each stream, and thereby thecontents in a specific area (or a specific time range) of a specificstream is reproduced.

Furthermore, if the still picture data is recorded as the object data,the address information, the data length and the data format of eachstill picture data are identified or designated, on the basis of the ESmap table (see FIG. 32) for the still picture.

Thus, in the logical-object association hierarchy 402, an addressconversion is performed from a logical address relating to each item 204to a physical address relating to each PU 302.

Next, the object hierarchy 403 is a physical hierarchy to reproducevarious data in the actual object data file 140. In the object hierarchy403, the TS object data, the PS object data and the still picture dataare written within the object data file 140 (see FIG. 3).

More specifically, in the case of the TS object data, TS packets 146constructing a plurality of elementary streams (ES) are multiplexed. Themultiplexed packets are disposed along the time axis to form thetransport stream (see FIG. 5(a)). Then, a plurality of TS packetsmultiplexed at each time point is associated with the PU 302 identifiedby the logical-object association hierarchy 402, for each elementarystream. Incidentally, it is possible to associate a plurality of PUs 302with one elementary stream (e.g. one elementary stream relating to thesame audio data is shared, or one elementary stream relating to the samesub picture data are shared, in a plurality of switchable programs).

Alternatively, in the case of the PS object, PS packs 146PS constructinga plurality of video streams, audio streams, sub picture streams aremultiplexed. The multiplexed PS packs are disposed along the time axisto form the program stream (see FIG. 5(b)). Then, a plurality of PSpacks which is multiplexed is associated with the PU 302 identified inthe logical-object association hierarchy 402, for each stream.Incidentally, it is possible to associate a plurality of PUs 302 withone stream (e.g. the same audio stream is shared or the same sub picturestream is shared in a plurality of switchable programs).

Furthermore, in the case of the still picture data, it is stored as theobject file for the still picture in JPEG format, bitmap format and thelike, separately from the aforementioned transport stream or programstream (see FIG. 3). The still picture data packetized by the TS packetor the PS pack or not packetized is associated with the PU 302identified by the logical-object association hierarchy 402.Incidentally, it is possible to associate a plurality of PUs 302 withone still picture data (e.g. the same still picture data is shared in aplurality of switchable programs).

Thus, in the object hierarchy 403, the object data is actuallyperformed, using the physical address obtained from the conversion inthe logical-object association hierarchy 402.

As described above, the three hierarchies shown in FIG. 14 allow theperforming of the access with respect to the optical disc 100 during thereproduction.

(First Specific Example of Data Structure recorded onto Optical Disc)

Next, with reference to FIG. 15 to FIG. 22, an explanation will be madeto the first specific example of the data structure on the optical discon which the TS object of the transport stream and the PS object of theprogram stream are recorded.

In this specific example, the explanation will be made to the case thatthree titles are constructed in the optical disc 100 shown in FIG. 22,as for three TS objects #1, #2 and #3 shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 19, andtwo PS objects #4 and #5 shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. Here, FIG. 15schematically illustrates the data structure of the TS objects #1 and #2including a plurality of elementary streams. FIG. 16 schematicallyillustrates the data structure of the PAT and the PMT of the TS object#1 in also this specific example. FIG. 17 schematically illustrates thedata structure of the PAT and the PMT of the TS #2 object in also thisspecific example. FIG. 18 schematically illustrates the data structureof the TS #3 object in also this specific example. FIG. 19 schematicallyillustrates the data structure of the PAT and the PMT of the TS #3object in also this specific example. On the other hand, FIG. 20 andFIG. 21 schematically illustrate the data structure of the PS objects #4and #5 including a plurality of video streams and audio streams in alsothis specific example. Furthermore, FIG. 22 schematically illustratesthe data structure finally constructed on the optical disc 100.

Firstly, as shown in FIG. 15, title #1 is made of the TS #1 object andthe TS #2 object by directly using the transport stream used in digitalbroadcasting, as two TS objects (see FIG. 3). “Program 1” in FIG. 15 isdual broadcasted using two programs whose program map packet ID(“Program Map PID” in FIG. 15) is “100” and “200” respectively, andwhose program number (“Program No.” in FIG. 15) is “1” and “2”respectively. On the other hand, “Program 2” in FIG. 15 is normalbroadcasting using one program whose program map packet ID is “300” andwhose program number is “3”. For example, the elementary streams (ES)corresponding to the program whose program number is “1” are “Video 1(Video Stream 1)”, “Audio 1 (Audio Stream 1)” and “Audio 2 (Audio Stream2)”, and their elementary stream packet IDs (ES_PID) are “101”, “102”and “103”, respectively (see FIG. 6). The contents or packet IDs ofother elementary streams (ES) are also shown in FIG. 15.

In this specific example as shown in FIG. 16, as for the TS #1 object,the PAT (Program Association Table) and the PMT (Program Map Table)during the broadcasting are constructed to identify three PMTs by onePAT, and to identify individual TS packet of the elementary stream to bereproduced by each PMT.

More specifically, as for the PAT, the packet ID (PID) is set to areference value “000” for example, on the basis of which the PAT can befirstly identified from among a plurality of packets multiplexed at eachtime point (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, by referring to the contents ofthe identified PAT, it is possible to identify the PMT from among aplurality of packets multiplexed at each time point (see FIG. 6), on thebasis of “packet ID (e.g. “100”) of the PMT for program 1”, “packet ID(e.g. “200”) of the PMT for program 2”, or “packet ID (e.g. “300”) ofthe PMT for program 3”.

Furthermore, by referring to the contents of the identified PMT, it ispossible to identify the TS packet obtained by packetizing the contentsto be reproduced, from among a plurality of packets multiplexed at eachtime point (see FIG. 6). For example, if the PMT for program 1 isidentified, the TS packet can be identified on the basis of “packet IDof TS packet for video stream 1 (e.g. 101)”, “packet ID of TS packet foraudio stream 1 (e.g. 102)” or “packet ID of TS packet for audio stream 2(e.g. 103)”. Furthermore, if the PMT for program 2 or the PMT forprogram 3 is identified, it is possible to identify the TS packet to bereproduced.

Particularly in this specific example, a set of data constructing aseries of transport stream used for the broadcasting (e.g. a unit or thelike broadcasted continuously without CM (commercial message)) istreated as the “TS object” (see FIG. 3). It is assumed that, onbroadcasting, two programs are firstly transmitted via three programsusing TS #1 object, and the program 2 then ends along the elapse oftime, and the program 1 is continuously broadcasted by the TS #2 objectwith an intermittence of CM. Therefore, the program sequence is switchedduring the broadcasting.

Furthermore in this specific example as shown in FIG. 17, as for TS #2object, the PAT and the PMT during the broadcasting are constructed toidentify two PMTs by one PAT and to identify individual TS packets ofthe elementary stream to be reproduced by each PMT.

As shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 17, in this specific example, one title #1is constructed directly using the TS #1 object and the TS #2 objectduring the broadcasting without CM contents.

Furthermore, in this specific example as shown in FIG. 18, title #2 isconstructed using the TS #3 object. This TS #3 object is authored to bestored in advance as ROM contents, and having especially two sub picturedata elementary streams (i.e. “sub picture 1” and “sub picture 2” as EScontents in FIG. 18), in addition to the video data elementary streamsand audio data elementary streams.

In this specific example, as shown in FIG. 19, as for TS #3 objectconstructing title #2, the PAT and the PMT also have simple structures.

On the other hand, in this specific example as shown in FIG. 20, PSobject #4 (#4 object (MPEG-PS data)) includes one video stream “Video 7”and two audio streams “Audio 11” and “Audio 12”, to which stream IDs areindividually given. Among them, “Audio 12” is a private stream to whicha sub stream ID is given in addition to a stream ID.

Furthermore, in this specific example, as shown in FIG. 21, PS object #5includes one video stream “Video 8” and two audio streams “Audio 13” and“Audio 14”, to which stream IDs are individually given.

Among them, “Audio 14” is a private stream to which a sub stream ID isgiven in addition to a stream ID. The sub stream ID makes it possible toidentify each stream recorded in one private stream from each other.

For example, the MPEG video stream is identified by the stream ID “1110xxxx” (x=0 or 1). In this case, the sub stream ID is not given. On theother hand, MPEG audio stream is identified by the stream ID “110x xxxx”(x=0 or 1). In this case also, the sub stream ID is not given. On thecontrary, MPEG private stream is identified by the stream ID “10111101”. In this case, the sub stream ID is given.

The data structure constructed on the optical disc 100 discussed withreference to FIG. 15 to FIG. 21 is summed up as shown in FIG. 22.

That is, in FIG. 22, the optical disc 100 has a data structure in whichthree titles are constructed by three TS objects (#1-#3) and two PSobject (#4 and #5). Particularly, on the optical disc 100, the “program1” dual-broadcasted is logically re-constructed as a multi-vision typetitle (i.e. a type that the user can freely switches to see) similar toan “angle switching” in DVDs. In this switching, the audio stream suchas “Audio 1” of TS #1 object and “Audio 6” of TS #2 object are not used,and the elementary stream of the “program 2” is not used for this title.

Incidentally, the video stream and the like constructed by the PS objectcan be united by AU and PU unit to form a multi-vision type title,similarly to the case of TS object.

Particularly in this specific example, title #1 consists of both the TSobject and the PS object on the same optical disc 100, title #2 consistsof only the TS object, and title #3 consists of only the PS objects. Theoptical disc 100 having the data structure such that can be subjected tothe recording and reproduction by the information record andreproduction apparatus mentioned above, without a special conscious ofthe user whether each object is recorded in the transport stream orrecorded in the program stream. This is practically very convenience.

(Specific Structure of Each Information File in First Specific Example)

Next, with reference to FIG. 23 to FIG. 27, various information filesconstructed on the optical disc 100 of the aforementioned first specificexample, i.e. (1) the disc information file 110, (2) the playlistinformation file 120 and (3) the object information file 130, which arediscussed with reference to FIG. 3, will be discussed, focusing on theirdata structures.

(1) Disc Information File

Firstly, with reference to FIG. 23, the disc information file 110 willbe explained in detail with a specific example. FIG. 23 schematicallyillustrates a specific example of the data structure of the discinformation file 110.

In this specific example as shown in FIG. 23, the disc information file110 stores the disc general information 112, the title information table114 and other information 118.

Among them, the disc general information 112 is general information suchas total title quantity information and/or disc volume information,indicating a serial number of a series of contents that may consist of aplurality of optical discs 100.

The title information table 114 stores the entire playlist/playlistsconstructing each title. The title information table 114 further storesother information such as in-title chapter information as informationfor each title. The title information table 114 includes title pointerinformation, title #1 information, title #2 information, etc. The “titlepointer information” is storing address information of title #n, i.e.the storing address information indicating a storing position of title#n in the title information table, in which the relationships areindicated by arrows. The title pointer information is recorded by arelative logical address. The title pointer information whose quantitycorresponds to the quantity of titles in the optical disc 100 are listedas the relative logical address in the order of titles. Incidentally,data amount of each storing address information may be fixed byte, ormay be variable byte.

On the other hand, other information 118 is information about eachtitle, such as a quantity of general playlist and/or title type such assequential type or branch type.

(2) Playlist Information File

Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the playlist information file 120 willbe explained in detail, with a specific example. FIG. 24 schematicallyillustrates the data structure of the playlist information table 121constructed in the playlist information file 120.

In this specific example as shown in FIG. 24, the playlist informationfile 120 stores, for each field, the playlist general information 122,the playlist pointer table 124, the playlist #1 information table andthe playlist #2 information table 126, as the playlist information table121 (see FIG. 3).

Each field may have a structure capable of adding tables as many asrequired. For example, if there are four playlists, each field may havea structure to increase the field to four. The same can be said to theitem information table 129.

The playlist table size and other information such as the total quantityof playlist are recorded in the playlist general information (P listgeneral information) 122 among them.

The playlist pointer table (P list pointer table) 124 stores recordposition addresses of individual playlists as relative logical addressesin the playlist information table 121. Its relationships are shown byarrows in FIG. 24.

The playlist #1 information table (P list #1 information table) 126stores the general information about playlist #1, the item informationtable of playlist #1 (P list item information table) 129 and otherinformation. The same types of information about playlist #2 arerecorded also in the playlist #2 information table 126.

The “item information table” 129 stores item information for all itemsconstructing one program. The AU number in the AU (Associate Unit) tablethat is recorded in the “item #1 information” or the “item #2information” is a number of the AU that stores information to identifyan address of the TS object to be used for the item reproduction and/oreach elementary stream (i.e. video stream, audio stream or sub picturestream) in the TS object to be used for the item reproduction.

(3) Object Information File

Next, with reference to FIG. 25 to FIG. 27, the object information file130 will be explained in detail, with a specific example. FIG. 25schematically illustrates a specific example of the data structure ofthe object information table 131 (see FIG. 3) constructed in the objectinformation file 130. FIG. 26 schematically illustrates a specificexample of the data structure of the ES map table (#1) 134-1 for TSobjects #1-#3 (see FIG. 15 to FIG. 19) constructed in the objectinformation file 130 and associated with the object information table131 in FIG. 25, i.e. an exemplary ES map table 134 shown in FIG. 3. FIG.27 schematically illustrates a specific example of the data structure ofthe ES map table (#2) 134-2 for PS objects #4 and #5 (see FIG. 20 andFIG. 21) constructed in the object information file 130 and associatedwith the object information table 131 in FIG. 25, i.e. another exemplaryES map table 134 shown in FIG. 3.

In this specific example as shown in FIG. 25, the AU table 137 isconstructed as a part of the object information table 131, in the objectinformation file 130

In FIG. 25, the AU table 137 may have a structure of each field capableof adding tables as many as required. For example, if there are fourAUs, each field may have a structure to increase the fields to four.

The AU table 137 stores the “AU table general information”, in whichquantity of AU and pointers to individual AUs and so on are recorded,the “packet number discrete information” and “other information” inanother field.

The index number of the corresponding ES map table 134 (index number= .. . ) is recorded as the AU information 138I indicating the ES tableindex #1 in each PU #m corresponding to each AU #n, in the AU table 137.The “AU” is a unit corresponding to a program in TV broadcasting asmentioned above (particularly, a unit made of a plurality of unitedswitchable “visions” in multi-vision broadcasting), in which one or morePUs as reproduction units are included. The “PU” is a set of elementarystreams included in each AU as mentioned above and switchable to eachother. The PU information 302I identifies the ES table index #corresponding to each PU. For example, in the case that multi-viewcontents consists of AU, a plurality of PUs are stored in the AU, andpointers to a plurality of elementary stream packet IDs indicatingpackets constructing each view contents are stored in each PU. Thisindicates an index number in the ES map table mentioned below.

Particularly in this embodiment, the object general information in theobject information table 131 includes the information 601 indicatingtotal quantity of object information, each object type (i.e. TS object,PS object, still picture object), pointers to each object informationand so on.

In this embodiment discrete information 602, which indicates a number ofthe packet being discrete state in a case that a packet drop out occursin a packet serial number in the aforementioned TS object 142 during theeditings, is added to the object information 133. By using the discreteinformation, the packet number can be counted taking into account thediscrete state indicated by the discrete information (starting from thepacket designated by the elementary stream) and thereby the packetaddress to be accessed can be identified, even if the packet number isnot newly added when the packet drop out occurs. For example, thediscrete information includes a start point of the discrete state andthe quantity of the packet/packets dropped out. Thus, only one discreteinformation is recorded commonly for a plurality of AUs, which is veryadvantageous in view of storage capacity saving. Incidentally, suchdiscrete information may be recorded inside or outside of the objectinformation file other than the AU table 137. Furthermore, not only forthe TS object 142 but also for the PS object, the address can beidentified by the discrete information 602.

In this specific example as shown in FIG. 26, the ES map table (#1)134-1 corresponding to the TS object #1-#3 is constructed as anotherpart of the object information table, in the object information file130.

In FIG. 26, the ES map table 134-1 stores, for each fields, the ES maptable general information, a plurality of indexes #L (L=1, 2, . . . )and “other information”.

In the “ES map table general information”, the ES map table size, totalquantity of index and so on are recorded.

Each of the “Index #L” includes the elementary stream packet ID (ES_PID)and the address information of the elementary stream, which is used forthe reproduction, and so on.

In this embodiment, if the elementary stream is a MPEG2 video stream forexample, the TS packet number at the head of the 1 picture and thecorresponding display time are only recorded in the ES map table 134 asthe ES address information 134 d. This can reduce the data amount.

Constructed as such, as for the TS object, the elementary stream packetID (ES_PID) of the actual elementary stream can be obtained from theindex number of the ES map 134-1 designated by the AU table 137.Furthermore, since the address information of the elementary streamcorresponding to the elementary stream packet ID can be obtained at thesame time, the object data can be reproduced on the basis of theseinformation.

In this specific example as shown in FIG. 27, the ES map table (#2)134-2 corresponding to the PS object #4 and #5 is constructed as anotherpart of the object information table, in the object information file130.

In FIG. 27, the ES map table 134-2 stores, for each field, the ES maptable general information, a plurality of indexes #L (L=1, 2, . . . ),the “address information” and “other information”.

Total quantity of the index, pointers to each access unit addressinformation and so on, are recorded in the “ES map table generalinformation”.

Each of the “Index #L” includes the stream ID 603 and the sub stream ID604, each of which is to be used for the reproduction, and the accessunit address information 605 corresponding to it.

Constructed as such, as for the PS object, the stream to be reproducedcan be distinguished from other streams by the stream ID and the substream ID from the index number of the ES map table 134-2 designated bythe AU table 137. Furthermore, the address of the access unit relatingto the to-be-reproduced stream can be obtained. Thereby, the object datacan be reproduced on the basis of these information.

Incidentally, the address information of the access unit shown in FIG.27 is sufficient for the access, even if it is not recorded for eachstream. And the address information of the access unit is preferablyrecorded for each program and used commonly among a plurality of streamsconstructing the program. This can reduce the data amount of the addressinformation. However, as for the sub picture stream, the addressinformation of the access unit may be recorded for each stream. Thereby,one sub picture data can be used among a plurality of access units.

Additionally, in this specific example, the object information 133 canbe recorded for each object such as the TS object and the PS object andthe “packet length” can be recorded for each object (see FIG. 25) sothat the control based on the AU and PU (i.e. the reproduction controlusing the AU and PU explained focusing on the TS object as mentionedabove) is performed in the same manner for both a TS object applicationand a PS object application. For example, a program made of one PSobject can be used as one title #3 like as the PS object #5 shown inFIG. 22. Furthermore, the TS object and the PS object can be combinedand then used in one title like as title #1 shown in FIG. 22.

According to the data structure of the optical disc 100 mentioned above,it is advantageous that the required information can be simply added,even if a new title is required to be added to the optical disc 100. Onthe contrary, even if certain information is no longer required as theresult of the editings, it is no need to delete the certain informationfrom the table insofar as the information is not simply referred to.This is advantageous.

Incidentally, in FIG. 26, the ES_PID that is not referred from the AUtable 137 in FIG. 25 is also recorded for each index of the ES map table134-1. Nevertheless, the ES_PID that is not referred from the AU table137 does not need to be recorded as such. However, by recording theES_PID that is not referred from the AU table 137 and preparing the ESmap table 134-1 for more flexible application, it is advantageous thatthe ES map table does not need to be re-constructed to re-edit thecontents, for example, in the case of re-doing the authoring.

Furthermore, in this specific example, the TS objects #1-#3 are unitedand the corresponding ES map table 134-1 and the corresponding objectinformation 133-1 are constructed, on the other hand, the PS objects #4and #5 are united and the corresponding ES map table 134-2 and thecorresponding object information 133-2 are constructed. Nevertheless,the ES map table 134 and the object information 133 may be constructedfor each of the TS objects #1-#3 or each of the PS objects #4 and #5.

(Second Specific Example of Data Structure recorded onto Optical Disc)

Next, with reference to FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, the second specific exampleof the data structure on the optical disc 100 onto which the TS objectof the transport stream and the PS object of the program stream arerecorded.

In this specific example, an explanation will be made on the case thatthree titles are prepared for six objects, i.e. three TS objects #1, #2and #3 and two PS objects #4 and #5 in the aforementioned first specificexample, and further the still picture object #6 shown in FIG. 28. FIG.28 schematically illustrates the data structure of the still pictureobject #6 including the still picture data in this specific example.Furthermore, FIG. 29 schematically illustrates the data structurefinally constructed on the optical disc 100.

Firstly as shown in FIG. 28, the still picture object #6 consists ofthree still picture data in JPEG format, bitmap format, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 29, this object #6 is added to title #2. Thereby, forexample, the slide show reproduction can be started, after thereproduction of the TS object constructing item #1 of title #2. However,an independent title may consist of such an object #6.

(Specific Structure of Each Information File in Second Specific Example)

Next, with reference to FIG. 30 to FIG. 32, an explanation will be madeto data structures of various information file constructed on theoptical disc 100 in the aforementioned second specific example, i.e. (1)the disc information file 110, (2) the playlist information file 120 and(3) the object information file 130, which are explained with referenceto FIG. 3.

(1) Disc Information File

The disc information file is the same as that of the first specificexample explained with reference to FIG. 23. However, informationindicating an object type may be recorded in the disc information fileso that the still picture object is indicated as the still picture data.

(2) Playlist Information File

Next, with reference to FIG. 30, the playlist information file 120 willbe explained in detail with a specific example. FIG. 30 schematicallyillustrates a specific example of the data structure of the playlistinformation table 121 constructed in the playlist information file 120.

In this specific example as shown in FIG. 30, different from the firstspecific example shown in FIG. 24, item #2 information is added to theitem information table in the first playlist #2 information table. Thisitem #2 information is about the still picture object, in which theobject number, the AU number, and in particular the still picturedisplay time information 600 are recorded. That is, when the item isreproduced, the still picture data is displayed for a time periodindicated by this still picture display time information 600. Otherconfigurations are the same those of the first specific example shown inFIG. 24.

(3) Object Information File

Next, with reference to FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, the object information file130 will be explained in detail with a specific example. FIG. 31schematically illustrates a specific example of the data structure ofthe AU table 137 (see FIG. 3) constructed in the object information file130. FIG. 32 schematically illustrates a specific example of the datastructure of the ES map table (#3) 134-3 for still picture object #6(see FIG. 28) constructed in the object information file 130 andassociated with the AU table 137 in FIG. 31, i.e. an exemplary ES maptable 134 shown in FIG. 3.

In this specific example as shown in FIG. 31, the AU table 137 isconstructed as a part of the object information table, in the objectfile 130. In this specific example, different from the fist specificexample, object #3 for the still picture is added. Furthermore, theinformation 601 indicating an object type which means that the stillpicture object corresponds to object #3 is recorded in the objectgeneral information. Other configurations are the same as those of thefirst specific example.

In this specific example as shown in FIG. 32, the ES map table (#3)134-3 is constructed in addition to the ES map tables 134-1 and 134-2shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, in the object information file 130. In thisspecific example, the information indicating the data format, the datalength, the address information, and so on are recorded in the ES maptable 134-3 for each index, i.e. for each still picture (see FIG. 28).In this case, during the reproduction, the still picture data of index#1-#3 are sequentially reproduced according to the still picture displaytime information 600 shown in FIG. 30.

As explained in detail with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 32, according tothis embodiment, a plurality of programs can be multi-recorded onto thesame optical disc 100, regardless of whether the programs are TSobjects, PS objects or still picture objects. And further a desiredprogram can be selected and reproduced during the reproduction.Furthermore, such a plurality of programs can be switched to each otherquickly.

Incidentally, in the aforementioned embodiment, the explanation is madeto the optical disc 100 as an example of the information record mediumand the recorder or player of the optical disc 100 as an example of theinformation record and reproduction apparatus. Nevertheless, the presentinvention is not limited to the optical disc and the player or recorderthereof, but is applicable to various information record medium and therecorder or player thereof, supporting other high density recording orhigh transfer rate.

As discussed, according to the present invention, it is possible toperform, by a relatively simple manner, a relatively complicatedrecording and reproduction in which one or more programs aremulti-recorded as a plurality of streams conforming to the MPEG2 programstream or transport stream, for example.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments,and various changes may be made if desired without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention which can be read from the claims andthe entire specification. An information recording medium, an apparatusfor and a method of recording the information, an apparatus for and amethod of reproducing the information, an apparatus for and a method ofrecording and reproducing the information, a computer program forcontrolling the record or the reproduction, and a data structureincluding a control signal that accompany such changes are also intendedto be within the technical scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

An information recording medium, a apparatus for and a method ofrecording the information, an apparatus for and a method of reproducingthe information, an apparatus for and a method of recording andreproducing the information, a computer program for controlling therecord or the reproduction, and a data structure including a controlsignal that are associated with the present invention can be applied toa high-density optical disc for consumer or industrial use, such as aDVD, on which various information, such as the video information, theaudio information, the sub-picture information, and the reproductioncontrol information, can be recorded at high density and further can beapplied to a DVD player, a DVD recorder, and the like. Moreover, theycan be applied to an information recording medium, an information recordand reproduction apparatus, or the like, which are inserted in or can beconnected to various computer equipment for consumer or industrial use,for example.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. An information record medium onto which a wholestream including a plurality of partial streams each comprising videoinformation or audio information, constructing a series of contents, ismulti-recorded by a unit of packet that is a physically accessible unit,said information record medium comprising: an object data file forstoring object data comprising a plurality of packets each storing apiece of the video information or the audio information and each being alogically accessible unit; a reproduction sequence file for storingreproduction sequence information defining a reproduction sequence ofthe object data; and an object information file for storing, asreproduction control information to control a reproduction of the objectdata file, (i) stream identification information for identifying packet/packets corresponding to each of the plurality of partial streams fromamong the plurality of packets for each partial stream, (ii) addressinformation for indicating a record position of an access unit that isan accessible unit made of a fixed or variable predetermined quantity ofthe packets, and (iii) association group definition information defininga set having a specific relationship from among a series of contentsconstructing the plurality of partial streams, as an association group.21. The information record medium according to claim 20, wherein thewhole stream comprises at least partially a MPEG (Moving Picture ExpertsGroup phase) program stream.
 22. The information record medium accordingto claim 21, wherein the stream identification information identifies bya stream ID based on a MPEG standard, as for information based on a MPEGvideo standard as at least a part of the video information and as forinformation based on a MPEG audio standard as at least a part of theaudio information, identifies by a private stream based on the MPEGstandard and identifies a plurality of partial streams constructing theprivate stream by a sub stream ID as for a plurality of partial streamsrelating to audio information based on a standard other than the MPEGaudio standard as at least a part of the audio information.
 23. Theinformation record medium according to claim 20, wherein the wholestream includes at least two partial streams comprising main pictureinformation as series of contents information.
 24. The informationrecord medium according to claim 20, wherein the association groupdefinition information defines, as the association group, a set having arelationship of multi-broadcasting from among the series of contents.25. The information record medium according to claim 20, wherein theobject information file further stores, as the reproduction controlinformation, sub group definition information for defining, as a subgroup, a set of partial streams switchable to each other when reproducedin the association group.
 26. The information record medium according toclaim 20, wherein the object information file stores table informationfor indicating the stream identification information for each partialstream and for indicating a head address of the access unit as theaddress information for each partial stream.
 27. The information recordmedium according to claim 20, wherein the object information filefurther stores packet length information for indicating a length of thepacket, as the reproduction control information.
 28. The informationrecord medium according to claim 20, wherein the object data file storesstill picture information as at least a part of the video information,the object information file further stores, as the reproduction controlinformation, address information for indicating a record position of thestill picture information, data length information for indicating a datalength of the still picture information, and data format information forindicating a data format of the still picture information as for thestill picture information.
 29. An information record apparatus formulti-recording a whole stream including a plurality of partial streamseach comprising video information or audio information, constructing aseries of contents by a unit of packet that is a physically accessibleunit, onto an information record medium, said information recordapparatus comprising: a first record device for recording an object datafile for storing object data comprising a plurality of packets eachstoring a piece of the video information or the audio information andeach being a logically accessible unit; a second record device forrecording a reproduction sequence file for storing reproduction sequenceinformation defining a reproduction sequence of the object data; and athird record device for recording an object information file forstoring, as reproduction control information to control a reproductionof the object data file, (i) stream identification information foridentifying packet/ packets corresponding to each of the plurality ofpartial streams from among the plurality of packets for each partialstream, (ii) address information for indicating a record position of anaccess unit that is an accessible unit made of a fixed or variablepredetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii) association groupdefinition information defining a set having a specific relationshipfrom among a series of contents constructing the plurality of partialstreams, as an association group.
 30. An information record method ofmulti-recording a whole stream including a plurality of partial streamseach comprising video information or audio information, constructing aseries of contents by a unit of packet that is a physically accessibleunit, onto an information record medium, said information record methodcomprising: a first record process of recording an object data file forstoring object data comprising a plurality of packets each storing apiece of the video information or the audio information and each being alogically accessible unit; a second record process of recording areproduction sequence file for storing reproduction sequence informationdefining a reproduction sequence of the object data; and a third recordprocess of recording an object information file for storing, asreproduction control information to control a reproduction of the objectdata file, (i) stream identification information for identifyingpacket/packets corresponding to each of the plurality of partial streamsfrom among the plurality of packets for each partial stream, (ii)address information for indicating a record position of an access unitthat is an accessible unit made of a fixed or variable predeterminedquantity of the packets, and (iii) association group definitioninformation defining a set having a specific relationship from among aseries of contents constructing the plurality of partial streams, as anassociation group.
 31. An information reproduction apparatus forreproducing a part of a recorded whole stream from an information recordmedium onto which the whole stream including a plurality of partialstreams each comprising video information or audio information,constructing a series of contents, is multi-recorded by a unit of packetthat is a physically accessible unit, said information record mediumcomprising: an object data file for storing object data comprising aplurality of packets each storing a piece of the video information orthe audio information and each being a logically accessible unit; areproduction sequence file for storing reproduction sequence informationdefining a reproduction sequence of the object data; and an objectinformation file for storing, as reproduction control information tocontrol a reproduction of the object data file, (i) streamidentification information for identifying packet/ packets correspondingto each of the plurality of partial streams from among the plurality ofpackets for each partial stream, (ii) address information for indicatinga record position of an access unit that is an accessible unit made of afixed or variable predetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii)association group definition information defining a set having aspecific relationship from among a series of contents constructing theplurality of partial streams, as an association group, said informationreproduction apparatus comprising: a read device for physically readinginformation from the information record medium; and a reproductiondevice for reproducing the object data included in the information readby the read device, on the basis of the reproduction control informationand the reproduction sequence information included in the informationread by the read device.
 32. An information reproduction method ofreproducing a part of a recorded whole stream from an information recordmedium onto which the whole stream including a plurality of partialstreams each comprising video information or audio information,constructing a series of contents, is multi-recorded by a unit of packetthat is a physically accessible unit, said information record mediumcomprising: an object data file for storing object data comprising aplurality of packets each storing a piece of the video information orthe audio information and each being a logically accessible unit; areproduction sequence file for storing reproduction sequence informationdefining a reproduction sequence of the object data; and an objectinformation file for storing, as reproduction control information tocontrol a reproduction of the object data file, (i) streamidentification information for identifying packet/packets correspondingto each of the plurality of partial streams from among the plurality ofpackets for each partial stream, (ii) address information for indicatinga record position of an access unit that is an accessible unit made of afixed or variable predetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii)association group definition information defining a set having aspecific relationship from among a series of contents constructing theplurality of partial streams, as an association group, said informationreproduction method comprising: a read process of physically readinginformation from the information record medium; and a reproductionprocess of reproducing the object data included in the information readat the read process, on the basis of the reproduction controlinformation and the reproduction sequence information included in theinformation read at the read process.
 33. An information record andreproduction apparatus for recording a whole stream onto an informationrecord medium onto which the whole stream including a plurality ofpartial streams each comprising video information or audio information,constructing a series of contents, is multi-recorded by a unit of packetthat is a physically accessible unit, said information record mediumcomprising: an object data file for storing object data comprising aplurality of packets each storing a piece of the video information orthe audio information and each being a logically accessible unit; areproduction sequence file for storing reproduction sequence informationdefining a reproduction sequence of the object data; and an objectinformation file for storing, as reproduction control information tocontrol a reproduction of the object data file, (i) streamidentification information for identifying packet/packets correspondingto each of the plurality of partial streams from among the plurality ofpackets for each partial stream, (ii) address information for indicatinga record position of an access unit that is an accessible unit made of afixed or variable predetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii)association group definition information defining a set having aspecific relationship from among a series of contents constructing theplurality of partial streams, as an association group, and forreproducing a part of the recorded whole stream, said information recordand reproduction apparatus comprising: a first record device forrecording the object data file; a second record device for recording thereproduction sequence information file; a third record device forrecording the object information file; a read device for physicallyreading information from the information record medium; and areproduction device for reproducing the object data included in theinformation read by the read device, on the basis of the reproductioncontrol information and the reproduction sequence information includedin the information read by the read device.
 34. An information recordand reproduction method of recording a whole stream onto an informationrecord medium onto which the whole stream including a plurality ofpartial streams each comprising video information or audio information,constructing a series of contents, is multi-recorded by a unit of packetthat is a physically accessible unit, said information record mediumcomprising: an object data file for storing object data comprising aplurality of packets each storing a piece of the video information orthe audio information and each being a logically accessible unit; areproduction sequence file for storing reproduction sequence informationdefining a reproduction sequence of the object data; and an objectinformation file for storing, as reproduction control information tocontrol a reproduction of the object data file, (i) streamidentification information for identifying packet/ packets correspondingto each of the plurality of partial streams from among the plurality ofpackets for each partial stream, (ii) address information for indicatinga record position of an access unit that is an accessible unit made of afixed or variable predetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii)association group definition information defining a set having aspecific relationship from among a series of contents constructing theplurality of partial streams, as an association group, and forreproducing a part of the recorded whole stream, said information recordand reproduction method comprising: a first record process of recordingthe object data file; a second record process of recording thereproduction sequence information file; a third record process ofrecording the object information file; a read process of physicallyreading information from the information record medium; and areproduction process of reproducing the object data included in theinformation read at the read process, on the basis of the reproductioncontrol information and the reproduction sequence information includedin the information read at the read process.
 35. A computer programproduct for a record control to control a computer disposed at aninformation record apparatus for multi-recording a whole streamincluding a plurality of partial streams each comprising videoinformation or audio information, constructing a series of contents by aunit of packet that is a physically accessible unit, onto an informationrecord medium, said information record apparatus comprising: a firstrecord device for recording an object data file for storing object datacomprising a plurality of packets each storing a piece of the videoinformation or the audio information and each being a logicallyaccessible unit; a second record device for recording a reproductionsequence file for storing reproduction sequence information defining areproduction sequence of the object data; and a third record device forrecording an object information file for storing, as reproductioncontrol information to control a reproduction of the object data file,(i) stream identification information for identifying packet/packetscorresponding to each of the plurality of partial streams from among theplurality of packets for each partial stream, (ii) address informationfor indicating a record position of an access unit that is an accessibleunit made of a fixed or variable predetermined quantity of the packets,and (iii) association group definition information defining a set havinga specific relationship from among a series of contents constructing theplurality of partial streams, as an association group, said computerprogram product makes the computer function as at least a part of thefirst record device, the second record device and the third recorddevice.
 36. A computer program product for a reproduction control tocontrol a computer disposed at an information reproduction apparatus forreproducing a part of a recorded whole stream from an information recordmedium onto which the whole stream including a plurality of partialstreams each comprising video information or audio information,constructing a series of contents, is multi-recorded by a unit of packetthat is a physically accessible unit, said information record mediumcomprising: an object data file for storing object data comprising aplurality of packets each storing a piece of the video information orthe audio information and each being a logically accessible unit; areproduction sequence file for storing reproduction sequence informationdefining a reproduction sequence of the object data; and an objectinformation file for storing, as reproduction control information tocontrol a reproduction of the object data file, (i) streamidentification information for identifying packet/packets correspondingto each of the plurality of partial streams from among the plurality ofpackets for each partial stream, (ii) address information for indicatinga record position of an access unit that is an accessible unit made of afixed or variable predetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii)association group definition information defining a set having aspecific relationship from among a series of contents constructing theplurality of partial streams, as an association group, said informationreproduction apparatus comprising: a read device for physically readinginformation from the information record medium; and a reproductiondevice for reproducing the object data included in the information readby the read device, on the basis of the reproduction control informationand the reproduction sequence information included in the informationread by the read device, said computer program product makes thecomputer function as at least a part of the reproduction device.
 37. Acomputer program product for a record and reproduction control tocontrol a computer disposed at an information record and reproductionapparatus for recording a whole stream onto an information record mediumonto which the whole stream including a plurality of partial streamseach comprising video information or audio information, constructing aseries of contents, is multi-recorded by a unit of packet that is aphysically accessible unit, said information record medium comprising:an object data file for storing object data comprising a plurality ofpackets each storing a piece of the video information or the audioinformation and each being a logically accessible unit; a reproductionsequence file for storing reproduction sequence information defining areproduction sequence of the object data; and an object information filefor storing, as reproduction control information to control areproduction of the object data file, (i) stream identificationinformation for identifying packet/packets corresponding to each of theplurality of partial streams from among the plurality of packets foreach partial stream, (ii) address information for indicating a recordposition of an access unit that is an accessible unit made of a fixed orvariable predetermined quantity of the packets, and (iii) associationgroup definition information defining a set having a specificrelationship from among a series of contents constructing the pluralityof partial streams, as an association group, and or reproducing a partof the recorded whole stream, said information record and reproductionapparatus comprising: a first record device for recording the objectdata file; a second record device for recording the reproductionsequence information file; a third record device for recording theobject information file; a read device for physically readinginformation from the information record medium; and a reproductiondevice for reproducing the object data included in the information readby the read device, on the basis of the reproduction control informationand the reproduction sequence information included in the informationread by the read device, said computer program product makes thecomputer function as at least a part of the first record device, thesecond record device, the third record device and the reproductiondevice.
 38. A data structure including a control signal, in which awhole stream including a plurality of partial streams each comprisingvideo information or audio information, constructing a series ofcontents, is multi-recorded by a unit of packet that is a physicallyaccessible unit, said structure comprising: an object data file forstoring object data comprising a plurality of packets each storing apiece of the video information or the audio information and each being alogically accessible unit; a reproduction sequence file for storingreproduction sequence information defining a reproduction sequence ofthe object data; and an object information file for storing, asreproduction control information to control a reproduction of the objectdata file, (i) stream identification information for identifyingpacket/packets corresponding each of to the plurality of partial streamsfrom among the plurality of packets for each partial stream, (ii)address information for indicating a record position of an access unitthat is an accessible unit made of a fixed or variable predeterminedquantity of the packets, and (iii) association group definitioninformation defining a set having a specific relationship from among aseries of contents constructing the plurality of partial streams, as anassociation group.